In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern conflicts, Iran has launched a barrage of ballistic missiles towards Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday evening that “missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel,” instructing civilians to seek shelter upon hearing alert sirens.
Details of the Attack
According to the IDF, over 100 ballistic missiles were fired from Iran. The military assured the public that it is “doing and will do everything necessary to protect the civilians” in Israel. Earlier in the day, anonymous US officials had warned of an impending launch by Tehran, expecting an attack similar to a strike in April involving approximately 300 missiles and drones.
Iranian Justification
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in retaliation for recent assassinations of key figures. “In response to the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and the martyr Nilforoshan, we struck at the heart of the occupied territories,” the IRGC announced. They further warned, “If the Zionist regime responds to our attack, our next strikes will be more destructive.”
The individuals mentioned were:
- Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, killed in Tehran in early August
- Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time leader of Hezbollah, killed in an Israeli airstrike last week
- Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoshan, the IRGC deputy commander of operations, who was meeting with Nasrallah when Israeli jets collapsed their Beirut bunker
Escalating Regional Tensions
This attack comes amidst rising tensions in the region. Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli ground troops had invaded southern Lebanon in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as an operation targeting Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shia militia.
The conflict has its roots in events from last October when violence surged on Israel’s northern border after Israel besieged the Palestinian enclave of Gaza in retaliation for a deadly incursion by Hamas. Hezbollah, supporting the Palestinians, vowed to continue cross-border rocket attacks until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.
US Involvement and Diplomacy
Despite publicly urging for a ceasefire, the US government reportedly approved Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon quietly. According to Politico, Israel outlined its military strategy to Washington in mid-September and received approval via senior US presidential advisers.
This decision faced opposition within the Pentagon, State Department, and intelligence community due to concerns about potential escalation into a major war directly involving the US. The US strategy appears to be an attempt to “decouple” Israel’s conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, hoping to curb Iran’s regional influence.
US President Joe Biden publicly reiterated calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on Monday, stating, “I’m comfortable with them stopping.” However, the reported behind-the-scenes approval of Israel’s actions highlights the complex nature of US diplomacy in the region.
Humanitarian Impact
The conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences. Israel’s week-long bombing campaign in Lebanon, which included the assassination of most of the Hezbollah leadership, has resulted in over 1,000 deaths, including many civilians, and the displacement of over one million people.
International Response
As the situation unfolds, the international community is likely to respond with calls for restraint and de-escalation. The potential for further escalation remains high, with Iran warning of “more destructive” strikes if Israel responds to this attack.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this attack leads to a wider regional conflict or if diplomatic efforts can succeed in reducing tensions.
