Iran launched its largest-ever missile attack on Israel early Wednesday, escalating tensions and fueling concerns of a wider regional war. The attack, which Israel said involved more than 180 ballistic missiles, came in retaliation for Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Gaza. While Israeli air defenses, supported by U.S. forces, intercepted most of the missiles, the incident has intensified fears of broader conflict involving Iran, Israel, and their allies.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, stated that the missile strike was a defensive response and warned of stronger retaliation if Israel provokes further action. He emphasized that Iran’s campaign was aimed solely at military targets, claiming the attack concluded unless Israel escalates the situation. This marked a significant moment in the region’s volatile dynamics, with Tehran asserting itself militarily in a way not seen before.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate, calling Iran’s actions a “grave mistake” and promising to make Tehran “pay the price.” Israel continued its offensive, launching airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, with plumes of smoke rising from the southern suburbs. Evacuations were ordered in these areas, which have already seen heavy bombardment in recent days.
While there were no immediate reports of injuries in Israel, one person was killed in the occupied West Bank, according to local authorities. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that 90% of its missiles successfully hit their targets, showcasing the use of hypersonic Fattah missiles for the first time. Iranian state media reported that three Israeli military bases were struck.
The U.S. condemned Iran’s actions, with President Joe Biden promising to support Israel and ensure “severe consequences” for Tehran. The Pentagon confirmed that U.S. Navy warships deployed interceptors to block missiles headed for Israel, and Vice President Kamala Harris reinforced the administration’s commitment to defending U.S. and Israeli interests. Meanwhile, Britain acknowledged its role in preventing further escalation without revealing specifics.
The international community expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation. The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting to address the conflict, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the ongoing violence, calling for an immediate ceasefire. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, echoed these calls, urging restraint from all parties involved.
Despite global appeals for peace, tensions remain high. Iran’s military warned that any Israeli retaliation would lead to “vast destruction” of Israeli infrastructure and could drag Israel’s allies into the conflict. Meanwhile, Israel’s forces, backed by the U.S., remain on high alert as the conflict in Lebanon intensifies. In almost a year of cross-border fighting, nearly 1,900 people have been killed, most of them in the past two weeks, according to Lebanese officials.
The missile exchange is part of a broader conflict in the region, fueled by Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and militants in Gaza. Iran’s missile barrage represents a major escalation, threatening to widen the conflict into a full-scale regional war. As the violence spirals, the international community is urging de-escalation, but the path to peace remains uncertain as both sides prepare for potential new rounds of retaliation.
