Iran initiated a military assault on Israel with a barrage of missiles and drones on Saturday, marking an intensification of hostilities that threatens to escalate into a broader regional conflict. As the barrage of ballistic missiles persisted, Israel responded by rapidly activating its air-defense system, reminiscent of the October 7 attack by Hamas.

According to Israel’s Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Iran unleashed a massive offensive comprising over 200 lethal drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. The United States, United Kingdom, and Jordan joined forces in intercepting Iranian drones.

President Joe Biden of the United States has vowed unwavering support for Israel in the face of Iranian aggression, as international condemnations against Iran’s actions mounted.

“I recently convened with my national security team to discuss Iran’s assaults on Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s safety against threats from Iran and its surrogates is steadfast,” Biden announced on X.

Rising Tensions

Tensions have been steadily mounting between Iran and Israel amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Iran has been accused of supporting proxy warfare through backing Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, who have launched missile attacks into Israel on several occasions.

Iran’s direct military action following its assertion that Israel recently killed its officials at the Damascus embassy poses a threat to regional stability. A number of high-ranking officials, including a senior commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ foreign Quds Force, perished in an airstrike on April 1 during a meeting at the Damascus embassy compound.

This attack closely followed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s pledge to retaliate against the killings. Khamenei declared that Israel “must be held accountable and will be” for an operation he equated to an assault on Iranian territory.

Iran justified the strike as retribution for “Israeli offenses.” “Should the Israeli regime err again, Iran’s response will be notably more severe,” the Iranian mission to the United Nations cautioned, advising the United States to “steer clear.” The mission stated the matter should be considered settled.

UN Convenes Emergency Session

The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an emergency meeting on Sunday to address Iran’s unexpected drone and missile strike on Israel. Multiple countries have denounced Iran’s assault on Israel, with nations such as Britain and France committing to support Israel’s security.