This is the first time Iran has launched a direct attack on Israel.
Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Israel on Saturday after promising to respond to an attack on its consulate building in Syria. This is the first time Iran has launched a direct attack on the Jewish state in retaliation for the April 1 attack on the Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus, the Syrian capital.
Here is a brief timeline of the conflict:
April 1 attack
Nearly six months after the war in Gaza began, Israel expanded its attacks to include Iran. On April 1, Israeli air strikes destroyed the Iranian consulate in Syria. The Israeli attack claimed the lives of eight other officers and a senior member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The attack appeared to mark an escalation of Israeli attacks against military officials in Iran, which supports militant groups fighting Israel in Gaza and along its border with Lebanon. While Iran has clearly pinned the blame on Israel, the Jewish state has neither admitted nor denied responsibility for the consulate attack.
Clashes between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah militants backed by Iran have increased since the war in Gaza began nearly six months ago.
Tensions rise further – ship seized
After the consulate attack, the world is waiting for Iran’s response. According to the Guardian, US intelligence agencies have suggested that “Iran or its proxies are preparing to launch an attack on Israel.”
Soon, Tehran announced it would close the Strait of Hormuz, considered the world’s most important oil shipping route. On Saturday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized a container ship off the coast of the United Arab Emirates with 25 crew members on board. Sources said 17 of them were Indians.
Israel accused Iran of “piracy” and said it would “suffer the consequences” if Iran decided to escalate the situation further.
Iran, meanwhile, said the ship was “linked to the Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf.”
April 13 attack
Although tensions have existed between Iran and Israel since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Saturday’s attack was Iran’s first military attack on Israel.
As part of Operation True Commitment, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have launched ballistic missiles at “specific targets” in Israel.
At about 2 a.m., the first wave of missiles arrived in Israel. Sirens sounded across the country and explosions occurred in many places in the sky. The disputed city of Jerusalem, the commercial center of Tel Aviv and an Israeli nuclear reactor in the desert city of Dimona appear to be target sites.
Iranian state media claimed the Iranian attack caused “minor damage” to the Israeli base after reporting a “heavy hit” from missiles on the base. Army spokesman Daniel Hagari made the announcement on Sunday.
IDF spokesman Avicai Adelai said most of Iran’s missiles were intercepted far from Israel’s borders, but a small number of missiles landed inside Israel. He added that about 200 air force aircraft were flown from Iran and there were reports that a child was injured.
What do Iran and Israel say?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defense systems are deployed; we are ready to respond to any scenario, whether it is Defense or offense. Israel is strong, the public is strong, and we are grateful to the United States for standing side by side with Israel, and to the support of Britain, France, and many other countries: whoever hurts us, we will defend calmly and resolutely. protect yourself from any threats.”
Speaking at the United Nations, Iran said: “Iran’s military action is in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be considered over… However, if the Israeli regime makes another mistake, Iran’s response It will be tougher. This is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, and the United States must stay away!”
How the world reacted
The President of the United Nations Security Council stated in a public statement that at the request of the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, the Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on April 14. Global leaders have condemned Iran’s violence, while regional heavyweights such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt have advocated moderation. Read the full reaction here.
Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General The statement said: “I am deeply alarmed by the real danger of a devastating regional escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that may lead to a major military confrontation on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Said: “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attacks on Israel. These attacks have the potential to escalate tensions and destabilize the region. Iran has once again demonstrated its intention to sow chaos in its own backyard… UK “We will continue to stand firm for the security of Israel and all regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.”
The British Ministry of Defense said they were tasked with intercepting Iranian drones entering Britain’s operational areas, and were also responsible for covering U.S. air force sorties typically targeting Iran over Iraq and northeastern Syria.
National Security Spokesperson Adrienne Watson Said: “President Biden has made it clear: Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the Israeli people and support them in resisting threats from Iran.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Statement: “Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s air strikes against Israel. We stand with Israel. In support of Hamas’s brutal October 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and jeopardize a lasting peace.” It becomes more difficult…”
