Iran launched a significant missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, responding to the killings of leaders from Iran-backed militant groups.
The Israeli military reported that missiles were fired from Iran, activating air raid sirens across the country and prompting citizens to seek shelter. After approximately an hour, the military declared the threat over, noting that a substantial number of the missiles had been intercepted.
Reports indicated that between 150 and 200 missiles were launched during the assault. This attack follows a previous incident in April when Iran targeted Israel in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Damascus. Explosions were reported over Jerusalem, and two people sustained minor injuries from shrapnel in central Israel.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps stated that the missile strikes were in retaliation for the recent killings of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalating violence, calling for an immediate ceasefire. In response to the attack, Israeli airspace was closed, diverting all flights, while neighboring countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan also shut their airspace. Explosions were reported in Jordan as Israeli allies moved to intercept the missiles.
U.S. President Joe Biden ordered military assistance to help defend Israel against the Iranian missile threat. Despite Iran-backed groups participating in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Tehran had previously refrained from direct military confrontations with Israel.
