Tensions in the Middle East have escalated dramatically as Iran vowed to launch “more crushing and destructive” attacks following a series of missile strikes on Israel.
On Tuesday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed they had fired dozens of missiles at Israel, stating the barrage was in retaliation for Israel’s military operations against Tehran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, including the killing of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Iranian state television reported that Tehran warned of a harsher response if Israel retaliated, pledging that future attacks would be “even more destructive.”
Israeli media outlets have reported that over 100 missiles were fired, forcing civilians across the country to take shelter as air raid sirens blared. Despite the severity of the missile strikes, no casualties have been reported so far.
Just under an hour after the missile assault began, the Israeli military issued an all-clear, informing citizens they could leave their shelters.
Simultaneously, a shooting in Tel Aviv claimed the lives of six people, with reports indicating the attack occurred mere minutes before the missile strikes from Iran commenced.
In response to the escalating violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who strongly condemned Iran’s attack on Israel.
The missile strikes followed Israel’s announcement that it had launched “targeted” raids into southern Lebanon less than 24 hours earlier, marking the first time Israeli forces have entered Lebanon since the 2006 war between the two countries.
