Iran launched attacks against Israel on Saturday, escalating tensions between the two nations and potentially triggering a regional war. The United States has pledged to support Israel in defending against these threats from Iran, with Israel Defense Forces working closely with U.S. and regional partners to intercept the launches. The Biden administration anticipates that Iran’s attack will target Israeli government sites but not civilian or religious sites or U.S. assets. The attack is expected to involve 100 drones, dozens of cruise missiles, and dozens of ballistic missiles.
President Joe Biden cut his trip short to return to the White House and meet with his national security team, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in response to the growing threat of an Iranian strike. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had earlier seized a Portuguese-flagged cargo ship with links to Israel in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to condemnation from the White House. In preparation for the attacks, airspaces in Israel and the surrounding region were being temporarily shut down, and Israel announced school closures and limits on gatherings in certain areas.
Tensions between Iran and Israel had been rising since the start of the war in Gaza in October, with further escalation following Iran accusing Israel of an attack on its consulate in Damascus in early April. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the missile and drone launches were in response to the actions of the Zionist Regime. Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had previously vowed to retaliate against Israel for the Damascus attack, prompting Israel to warn of a potential counterattack. However, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the Damascus incident.
Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz issued a warning that if Iran were to launch attacks from its territory, Israel would respond by attacking in Iran. The White House had been anticipating an Iranian strike and had been in communication with Israel to ensure preparedness for defense. The situation continues to develop, and further updates are expected as events unfold between Iran and Israel.
