On Tuesday, Iran launched around 180 missiles towards Israel, marking its second major attack this year. Israeli officials confirmed that most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s advanced aerial defense systems, but some managed to strike military bases and civilian areas, including schools and restaurants.

Details of the Attack

• Missiles Fired: Iran launched a total of 180 missiles, surpassing the April 2024 attack, which involved 110 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles.
• Targets: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that 90% of the missiles hit their intended targets, focusing primarily on Israeli military bases. Israel’s Iron Dome and other defense systems, like David’s Sling and Arrow, successfully intercepted many missiles.
• Casualties: One man in Jericho, West Bank, reportedly died from falling rocket debris, while two Israelis suffered minor injuries from shrapnel.
• Missile Technology: Iran claimed to have used hypersonic missiles for the first time.

Reason for the Attack

Iran’s attack was in retaliation for the recent killings of key leaders, including Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoshan, and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. While Israel has not officially taken responsibility for these killings, it is widely believed to be behind them.

International Reaction

• U.S. Response: U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed America’s support for Israel, with U.S. Navy destroyers firing interceptors to aid Israel’s defense. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned the attack as an “outrageous act of aggression.”
• UK and Allies: The UK and other allies, including France and Japan, have condemned the Iranian attack, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense.

What’s Next?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran of severe consequences, stating Israel would respond at a time and place of its choosing. Iran’s IRGC, however, cautioned that any retaliation from Israel would lead to a more destructive response from Tehran. Israel has already launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut.

Tensions remain high, and further escalation is possible.