Iran Attacks Israel, Tensions Escalate As US Reaffirms ‘Ironclad’ Support To Netanyahu

Hours after Iran-backed Hezbollah drones were seen in Israeli artillery sites, Tehran initiated a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict by launching a barrage of explosives drones and missiles toward Israeli territory on Saturday. This marked the first direct attack on Israel by Iran. It comes in the wake of heightened tensions in the region. The attack has been condemned by several countries. The United Nations, condemning the attack, called for “immediate cessation of these hostilities”. 

Iran Attacks Israel

Reports from Israel indicated the sound of sirens wailing as drones approached, followed by distant explosions as Israeli forces intercepted the incoming threats. A Reuters report confirmed that a 10-year-old boy was critically injured in the attack. Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) posted a clear video of the attack on X. 

The clearest video of the moments when Iranian missiles hit the targets

Iranian missiles successfully pass through the Iron Dome in Hebron pic.twitter.com/Dl07YVki12

— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) April 13, 2024

Israel’s military has confirmed that over 100 drones were launched at it from Iran. Tel Aviv has also confirmed reports of additional missile strikes. As of now, no immediate reports of missile impacts within Israel, and the scale of the attack raised concerns of further escalation. 

The attack has been speculated in the international sphere for a long now. Iran has claimed the attack and it is being seen as a retaliation for perceived Israeli actions, including the reported strike on its Damascus consulate in Syria. 

US Extends ‘Ironclad’ Support To Israel

The White House on Saturday, soon after the reports of the attack emerged, said and asserted that the US’ support for Israel’s security is “ironclad”.

The United States stands with the people of Israel and supports their defence against this threat from Iran, Adrienne Watson, spokesperson of the National Security Council at the White House said.

Watson, in a statement, also said this attack is likely to unfold over several hours. He further conveyed that President Joe Biden’s team is in constant touch with Israeli officials as well as other allies. 

“His team is in constant communication with Israeli officials as well as other partners and allies. This attack is likely to unfold over a number of hours. President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defence against these threats from Iran,” Watson said.

The European Union, Britain, France, Mexico, Czechia, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands all condemned the attack by Iran on Israel.

United Nations Calls For ‘Immediate Cessation’

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, condemned the attack and called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities”. 

In a statement, he said, “I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.”

“I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East,” United Nations Secretary-General said. 

“I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war,” Guterres stressed.