Iran initiated an unprecedented assault involving both drones and missiles against Israel, following their vow to retaliate for an attack on their consulate in Syria.
10 Key Points in the conflict
- Iran deployed more than 200 drones and missiles towards Israel, accompanied by coordinated assaults from its proxies and allies on Israeli positions. According to an Israeli army spokesman, “The regime in Iran sent a massive swarm of over 200 killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.”
- Iran maintains that it acted in “self-defense” following the targeting of its diplomatic mission in Damascus. It expressed its desire for its actions to prevent further escalation and stated, “the matter can be deemed concluded.”
- According to the Israeli army, Iran’s assault on Israel with hundreds of drones and missiles has been “foiled,” with 99 percent of them intercepted. The statement declared that troops are stationed on all fronts, remaining vigilant, and steadfastly safeguarding Israeli territory.
- US President Joe Biden remarked that US forces assisted in neutralizing “nearly all” of the drones and missiles launched by Iran at Israel. He reiterated his “ironclad” support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden also announced plans to convene leaders from the G7 group of wealthy nations to organize a “united diplomatic response” to Iran’s “brazen” attack.
- According to certain White House officials speaking to local media, the US will not engage in any offensive actions against Iran. These remarks were reportedly conveyed during the phone conversation between Biden and Netanyahu earlier today, as per the officials.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu has pledged to retaliate both defensively and offensively, emphasizing that Israel has been readying itself for a direct assault from Iran for years.
- The European Union, Britain, France, Mexico, Czechia, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands have all criticized Iran’s assault. The president of the UN Security Council announced that the body will convene an emergency session today to address Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile strike on Israel.
- Meanwhile, India expressed serious concern about the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, which jeopardizes peace and security in the West Asia region. “We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence, and a return to the path of diplomacy,” stated the Foreign Ministry.
- The Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, now in its seventh month, has heightened tensions in the region, extending to conflicts with Lebanon and Syria. Long-range attacks targeting Israeli sites have been reported from as far as Yemen and Iraq.
- The ongoing clashes now pose the risk of evolving into a direct, openly declared conflict involving Iran and its regional allies against Israel and its primary supporter, the United States. Regional powerhouse Egypt has urged “utmost restraint” in the situation.