Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles toward Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, Tehran’s ally in Lebanon, escalating tensions in the region. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that approximately 180 missiles were fired, with alarms sounding across Israel and explosions heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River Valley.
Residents sought shelter as air raid sirens blared, and state television reporters were seen taking cover during live broadcasts. In neighboring Jordan, missiles were intercepted in the airspace, according to Reuters journalists.
The Israeli military had earlier issued warnings about the potential for a widespread missile strike from Iran, urging the public to take shelter in safe rooms. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of "crushing attacks" if Israel retaliated for the missile strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated the attack was carried out in accordance with the United Nations Charter, describing it as a response to the killing of top Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon and the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in late July.
Flights at Tehran’s international airport were suspended following the missile attack, according to Iranian media. “For the time being, we have suspended incoming and outgoing flights at Tehran International Airport,” airport chief Said Chalandari told the ISNA news agency.
In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed support for Israel, stating that the United States was prepared to assist Israel in defending itself from the Iranian missile barrage. “We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks and protect American personnel in the region,” Biden said on X, formerly known as Twitter, following a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris and national security officials.
Meanwhile, Hamas praised the Iranian missile attack, calling it “heroic” and a response to the killing of Hezbollah’s leadership. In a statement, Hamas referred to the strikes as “revenge for the blood of our heroic martyr.”
The situation remains tense as Israel continues its military operations in Lebanon and prepares for potential retaliatory actions from both Iran and Hezbollah.
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