Iran stated early Wednesday that its missile attack on Israel was over unless further provocation occurred. Israel and the US pledged to retaliate against Tehran, raising fears of a wider conflict.
Washington confirmed it would collaborate with Israel to ensure Iran faced “severe consequences” for the missile attack, which Israel claimed involved more than 180 ballistic missiles.
The United Nations Security Council scheduled a meeting for Wednesday to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East, while the European Union called for an immediate ceasefire.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated, “Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful,” highlighting Iran's readiness to escalate if provoked.
Israel resumed its bombardment of Beirut’s southern suburbs, known to be a Hezbollah stronghold, conducting at least a dozen airstrikes against targets associated with the group.
Large plumes of smoke were observed rising from various parts of the suburbs as Israel issued new evacuation orders for the area, which had largely emptied after days of intense strikes.
Iran’s recent attack marked its most significant military strike against Israel to date.
Sirens were activated across Israel, with explosions reported in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley, prompting the entire population to seek shelter.
No injuries were reported within Israel, but one fatality was confirmed in the occupied West Bank by local authorities.
Iran characterized its missile campaign as defensive, aimed solely at Israeli military facilities, with state news reporting that three Israeli military bases were targeted.
Tehran justified its assault as a reaction to Israeli actions, including the killing of militant leaders and aggression against Hezbollah in Lebanon and in Gaza.
Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari announced that Israel had activated its air defenses and intercepted most missiles with support from a US-led coalition, stating, “Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his intent to retaliate, asserting, “Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it,” at an emergency political security cabinet meeting.
The Iranian General Staff warned that any Israeli response would be met with “vast destruction” of Israeli infrastructure and indicated that regional assets of any Israeli ally would also be targeted.
Concerns have risen regarding the potential for Iran and the US to become embroiled in a regional conflict due to Israel’s escalating military actions in Lebanon over the past two weeks, alongside its ongoing conflict in Gaza.
90% of Iran's missiles reached targets in Israel, according to reports that during the attack, the country's troops fired hypersonic Fattah missiles for the first time.
Hagari reported that there had been a few strikes in central and southern Israel, and a military film showed an Iranian missile having seriously damaged a school in Gadera.
The US Navy warships intercepted about twelve Iranian missiles that were headed for Israel, according to confirmation from the Pentagon.
Although details were kept under wraps, Britain acknowledged that its military troops were involved in efforts to stop the situation from getting worse in the area.
Declaring Iran's strike to be "ineffective," US President Joe Biden reiterated the United States' unwavering support for Israel. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized that the United States is committed to protecting its interests against Iran, echoing this attitude.
"We'll take action. Iran's activities will soon catch up with them. Underscoring Israel's resolve to react, UN Ambassador Danny Danon of Israel said, "The response will be painful."
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan of the White House also hinted that the US would work with Israel on this issue, promising Iran "severe consequences."
While Sullivan did not outline possible outcomes, it is noteworthy that he did not urge Israel to use caution, in contrast to the US's stance on other Iranian attacks.
Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, declared, "This must stop," denouncing the continued escalation and calling for an instant ceasefire. There must be a ceasefire.
Israel has been the target of strikes by Iran, which French President Emmanuel Macron has harshly condemned. He also emphasized France's commitment to Israel's security by deploying military resources in the Middle East.
Macron supported Lebanon's sovereignty and respect for UN Security Council resolutions while restating France's demand that Hezbollah end its terrorist actions against Israel.
Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, called for an immediate regional ceasefire, warning that “the dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks spiraling out of control.”
According to Lebanese government statistics, nearly 1,900 individuals have been killed and over 9,000 wounded in Lebanon amid nearly a year of cross-border fighting, with most casualties occurring in the past two weeks.
