Iran has claimed to have accomplished all of its objectives following the launch of over 300 drones in a retaliatory strike against Israel.
The Middle Eastern nation had been expected for days to retaliate for an April 1 airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, which resulted in the deaths of 12 people.
Iran’s large-scale overnight attack caused only minor damage to Israel after the country’s allies, including the US and UK, intercepted a range of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
Rear Adm Daniel Hagari, the chief spokesman for the Israeli military, stated in televised remarks that about 99% of all aerial threats launched from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen were intercepted during the recent attack.
Despite this, Iran hailed “Operation Honest Promise” as a success, marking a significant development in the ongoing shadow war between the two nations.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps stated that the strike targeted military sites in Israel in response to what it called the “Zionist regime’s crimes,” according to a statement broadcast by Tasnim, an affiliated news agency.
Following the deaths of seven IRGC members, including a top general, in the Damascus attack, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised retaliation, leading to heightened tensions between the nations.
Celebrations erupted in Tehran as supporters of the Iranian government took to the streets to mark the airstrikes, although concerns about potential retaliation and further escalation also lingered.
Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli…
— I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 13, 2024
Iran’s UN mission warned the US to “stay away” from the conflict, citing the attack as legitimate self-defence under the UN Charter but also issuing a stern warning of a harsher response if Israel makes another mistake.
Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, expressed support for Iran’s actions, emphasizing the right of nations to defend themselves amidst ongoing conflicts in the region.
In Israel, reports indicated casualties and damage from the attacks, highlighting the fragile security situation and the potential for further violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed determination to overcome the threats, emphasizing unity in defence against external threats.
International reactions, such as the UK’s condemnation of the drone strike and commitments to regional stability, underscored the global concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Ali Vaez, the Iran director of the International Crisis Group, warned of the precarious situation and the potential for disastrous consequences as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate.
Recent escalation follows a series of incidents that have strained relations between Iran and Israel, including attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and assassinations of Iranian scientists, which Tehran blames on Israeli intelligence agencies. These actions have deepened mutual distrust and heightened the risk of open conflict.
In response to Iran’s retaliatory strike, Israel has vowed to defend itself against any further aggression. Israeli officials have called for international support in curbing Iran’s regional ambitions and have emphasized the need to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a concern shared by many Western countries.
The United States, a key ally of Israel, has condemned Iran’s actions while urging restraint on all sides. President X reaffirmed America’s commitment to Israel’s security and reiterated the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Regional players such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have also expressed concerns over Iran’s growing influence and support for militant groups in the region. They have called for a united front against Iranian aggression and have sought closer ties with Israel in recent years due to shared security interests.
The international community, including the United Nations, has called for calm and dialogue to prevent further escalation. Diplomatic efforts are underway to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and address the underlying grievances between Iran and Israel, with hopes of averting a full-blown regional crisis.
