‘Iran made a big mistake’: Tel Aviv vows response after Iran fires over 400 missiles at Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran would face consequences for its missile strike on Israel, while Tehran warned that any retaliation would lead to “vast destruction,” heightening concerns of a broader conflict. Washington reaffirmed its support for Israel, and Iran’s military cautioned that any intervention by Israel’s allies would trigger a “strong attack” on their regional bases.
Oil prices surged 5% amid fears of escalating conflict, and the UN Security Council scheduled a meeting for Wednesday to discuss the situation in the Middle East. Netanyahu condemned Iran’s actions, stating, “Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it.”
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the attack was in response to Israel’s killing of militant leaders and actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Gaza. Israel reported that Iran had launched over 180 ballistic missiles, with alarms sounding across the country. Iranian forces used hypersonic Fattah missiles, and 90% of the missiles hit their targets, according to Tehran.
Israeli air defences, backed by the US, intercepted most of the missiles, but central and southern Israel suffered minor hits. Video footage showed a damaged school in the city of Gadera. There were no reported casualties in Israel, but one person was killed in the West Bank.
The US Navy fired interceptors to defend Israel, and President Joe Biden expressed full support for the country, calling Iran’s attack “ineffective.” Discussions on Israel’s response were underway. Vice President Kamala Harris echoed Biden’s position, stating the U.S. would defend its interests if necessary.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon vowed a painful response, and the White House warned of “severe consequences” for Iran. Iran, in turn, promised to destroy Israeli infrastructure if attacked and threatened regional allies of Israel.
Iran’s foreign ministry described the missile strike as defensive, targeting Israeli military sites, and urged the UN Security Council to take action. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a ceasefire, while the EU’s Josep Borrell warned that the cycle of attacks could spiral out of control.
