Tensions rise as Iran launches a record number of missiles at Israel, prompting retaliation vows and global concern. Can cooler heads prevail?
In a significant escalation of conflict in the Middle East, Iran has launched a massive missile attack on Israel, marking a dangerous new chapter in their ongoing rivalry. Firing over 180 ballistic missiles, Iran claimed the assault was a justified response to Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah, its ally in Lebanon. The Israeli government reacted swiftly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that any nation attacking Israel would face severe repercussions. Meanwhile, Israeli military spokespeople reported that most incoming missiles were intercepted, preventing major damage, but the threat remains palpable.
As tensions simmered, Israel initiated a “limited” ground operation in southern Lebanon aimed at Hezbollah positions. This incursion follows a series of targeted airstrikes against the militant group, raising fears that a broader conflict may be on the horizon. With Iran backing Hezbollah, this ground operation complicates Israel’s strategic objectives, as it now faces threats from multiple fronts. Meanwhile, the US has stepped in with military support, assisting Israel in intercepting the Iranian missiles during this escalating confrontation.
Iran's leadership has characterized the missile strike as "legal, rational, and legitimate," brushing off Israel's claims of unjustified aggression. The Iranian elite believes that past restraint, especially after the assassination of key Hamas and Hezbollah officials, was a strategic blunder that emboldened their enemies. Iran's public statements seem to rally internal support, calling for resistance against perceived aggression from Israel and its allies. As both sides dig in, the international community watches closely, fearing a potential widening of hostilities that could engulf the entire region.
The situation poses a tough question: can diplomatic channels work amidst such fiery exchanges? As Israel pledges to retaliate for any missile attacks, the overarching question lingers—how far are both nations prepared to go? Understanding the complexities of geopolitical objectives is crucial in assessing the potential for peace, yet with military moves on both sides, a cycle of retaliation risks spiraling out of control.
Interestingly, this missile barrage comes amid reports of increased military cooperation between the US and Israel, with American forces reportedly interdicting some of the attacks. On a global scale, this situation draws attention not only for its immediate implications but also for its long-term effects on regional stability and international relations. While fireworks are expected, let's hope the aftermath doesn't leave a charred skyline or blackened diplomatic bridges.
The Iranian airstrikes come in the wake of stepped-up Israeli military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran for decades.
Israel vows to retaliate after barrage of Iranian missiles fired in response to killings of Hamas, Hezbollah leaders.
“Whoever attacks us, we will attack them,” he said. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said most of the Iranian missiles had been intercepted, but added ...
Early on Tuesday, Israel announced that it was launching a “limited” ground incursion into Lebanon. This follows Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, ...
High-risk assault reflects Iranian elite's belief that restraint after assassination of Ismail Haniyeh was strategic mistake.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that arch foe Iran would pay for its missile attack against Israel on Tuesday, while Tehran said any ...
Israel warns of consequences for the attack, which Iran says was retaliation for attacks on its allies.
Iran launched dozens of missiles toward Israel on Tuesday in what it said was a response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and others ...
The Israeli military pressed its ground incursion into southern Lebanon on Tuesday, calling the operations “limited incursions” that are targeting Hezbollah ...
Israel has launched a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, opening a new and ...
The US fired about a dozen interceptors at Tuesday's barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles fired at Israel, the Pentagon says. US President Joe Biden said ...
The unprecedented Iranian salvo of more than 180 ballistic missiles came less than 24 hours after the Israeli prime minister ordered the largest ground ...
“Hezbollah planned to invade Israel, attack Israeli communities and massacre innocent men, women and children,” the senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ...
Missiles have been launched from Iran to Israel, according to an Israel Defense Forces statement. CNN's Jim Sciutto reports from Tel Aviv.
Two American destroyers launched around a dozen interceptors to help defend Israel Tuesday, according to Defense Department officials.
CNN political and global affairs analyst Barak Ravid discusses Iran's missile attack on Israel and how Israel may respond.
During the attack, the U.S. military coordinated closely with the Israeli Defense Forces to help defend Israel, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen.
Israeli PM Netanyahu said Iran “made a big mistake” in attacking Israel and “will pay for it.”
Israelis scrambled for bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded and the orange glow of missiles streaked across the night sky. Israeli military spokesman Rear ...
Iranians and Gazans are shown celebrating as missiles launched by Iran fire at Israel in an attack Tuesday. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said ...
Some 80 flights headed for major Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi were diverted on Tuesday, flight data showed.
With American policy in the Middle East in tatters, Donald Trump could be the principal beneficiary of escalation in the region.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning Monday to Iran, which backs Hezbollah and Hamas. “There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot ...
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran will 'pay' after it fired some 180 ballistic missiles at key targets in Israel.
The monthlong war that began in July 2006 saw Israeli soldiers bogged down in fierce fighting, as Hezbollah fighters led one tank column after the next into ...
The Middle East is edging ever closer toward a full-blown regional war as Israel vowed to respond to Iran's huge barrage of ballistic missiles fired at the ...
Iran has said it fired dozens of ballistic missiles at important military and security targets in Israel in response to the assassinations of Hamas leader ...
In that earlier attack, Iran fired about 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. According to the Israeli military, 99 per cent of ...
It is the second attack by Iran this year, after it fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel in April. Israeli military officials said the attacks ...
Israeli officials tell Axios Israel will launch a "significant retaliation" to Iran's massive missile attack within days.
Israeli officials reportedly considering 'significant retaliation' to Iranian attack within days.
Israel pledges to respond to Iran's barrage of missiles; Tehran threatens repeated attack 'with multiplied intensity'.
What did Iran fire? Tehran deployed ballistic missiles, which use trajectories outside or near the limits of Earth's atmosphere, in the attack. It used similar ...
Follow NBC News' live coverage as Israel and Iran trade new threats after the missile attack, Hezbollah says it battled Israeli forces at Adaisseh and the ...
Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel, another sharp escalation of the conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant groups Hezbollah and ...
Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel. Follow along for live updates of the Middle East conflict.
JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Hezbollah said its fighters were engaging Israeli forces inside Lebanon on Wednesday, reporting ground clashes for the ...
Israel's foreign minister has declared United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “persona non grata” and barred him from entering the country.
The Middle East is bracing for a wider war as Israel fights in Gaza and Lebanon, and promises a strong response to Iran's missile strikes.
The United Nations secretary general has condemned Iranian strikes on Israel, after earlier being banned from the country for his initial response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate for Iran's missile attack, saying Tehran will "pay for it."
In the days after Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, fears ran high of a regional war. The conflict would not be contained in Gaza, the thinking went ...
Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel caused few casualties and little damage. But it marked a further escalation as Israeli forces battle Tehran's ...
The risk of escalation looms after Iran fired missiles on Israel. Here is what the arsenal of each country looks like.
The commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), Maj-Gen Hossein Salami, stood in front of a large banner in a war room as he used a ...
Most of the defensive effort appears to have been undertaken by Israeli air defence systems.
Israel's multilayered air-defense system passes another test in fending off Iranian missile strike · The Arrow · Missiles launched from Iran towards Israel are ...
All options are on the table as Israel is expected to launch a retaliatory attack on strategic Iranian assets.
Israel's likely response to Iran's missile attack and a new photo of the Princess of Wales make many of Thursday's front pages.
Dexter Filkins writes about how, in one week—with the death of the Hezbollah's leader, Israel's invasion of Lebanon, and Iran's missile strike on Israel—the ...
Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%. Select. What's included.