Iran's rapid attack on Israel: 150 missiles fired, attacks on Tel Aviv from Lebanon-Jordan too, crisis of war in Middle East
Iran missile attack and damage
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claimed they targeted dozens of Israeli military bases, airports and radar systems. According to Iranian state media IRNA, two missiles fell in Tel Aviv, killing at least one woman and injuring more than 50 people. Israeli Channel 13 reported that there was "never before seen" destruction in the Greater Tel Aviv area, with dozens of buildings and vehicles damaged. Explosions were heard in Jerusalem, and air raid sirens sounded across Israel.
The Israeli military (IDF) said their Iron Dome and other defense systems destroyed most of the missiles in mid-air, but some fell in residential areas. IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said, "We are currently assessing the attack, but our defense system is fully active."
Attacks from Lebanon and Jordan
Lebanon's Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group, launched more than 20 rocket and drone attacks on Israel's northern region of Metula. The IDF claimed most of these attacks were destroyed, but some villages suffered minor damage. Hezbollah said the attack was carried out in "solidarity with Palestinian and Iranian brothers."
There are also reports of suspected drone attacks from Jordan. Sirens sounded for drone alerts in the Jordanian capital, Amman, and local media claimed some drones headed toward Israel. However, the Jordanian government clarified that it would "not allow any party to use its airspace for war." It is not clear who fired these drones, but some analysts believe they may belong to Iran-backed militias.
Iran's threat and Israel's stance
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a recorded message before the attack, "Israel will be punished for its attacks, and our forces will render it helpless." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the United Nations that 78 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the Israeli attacks. Iran warned that if Israel retaliates, there will be "more devastating" attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was taken to an undisclosed location for security reasons. Netanyahu said the attack was a response to his 'Operation Rising Lion', which was approved in November 2024 and under which attacks were carried out on Iran's nuclear sites. The IDF advised civilians to stay in bomb shelters and said they were "ready to retaliate."
US and international response
The attack came after US President Donald Trump warned Iran that "they still have time" and a 60-day ultimatum expired. Trump pledged support to Israel, but said the US was not directly involved in the attack. The White House said they were monitoring the situation.
The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the Israeli attacks did not cause any major damage to Iran's nuclear sites, but warned of increased regional instability. Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon closed their airspace, and Emirates Airline canceled flights to these countries.
Background and Reason
The attack is a response to Israel's June 13 airstrikes, which targeted nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordo and Isfahan. Iran described it as an "US-sanctioned" attack. In addition, Iran vowed revenge after the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
On October 1, 2024, Iran fired 181 missiles at Israel, the damage of which was limited as the Iron Dome destroyed most of the missiles. This time the attack is being described as more deadly and organized than before.
Global impact and future
Crude oil jumped 12% to $ 78 a barrel after the attack, increasing pressure on the global economy. The Indian rupee also declined to 86.20. Russia offered to mediate, but peace is unlikely given the rigid stances of both sides.
Analysts believe the war could spread regionally, involving Hezbollah, Hamas and other Iran-backed groups. Burning buildings and the sound of sirens in Tel Aviv have Israel bracing for war, while Iran has warned of a "long war".
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