Iran launched a major attack on Israel on Saturday, sending dozens of drones and ballistic missiles towards the country in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region. The attack came after days of mounting pressure and warnings from the US and other countries about the potential for a wider conflict.
Air raid sirens blared over Jerusalem in the early hours of Sunday as the weapons were fired from Iran, with US and Jordanian military assisting Israel in intercepting the incoming barrage. The Iranian mission to the United Nations claimed the attack was in response to Israeli aggression against their diplomatic premises in Damascus.
Despite the interception of some Iranian drones by US and Jordanian forces, Iran threatened further action if Israel continued its aggression and warned against any assistance from the US and Jordan. President Joe Biden rushed back to Washington from a weekend trip as the situation unfolded, with the White House issuing a security alert for US government employees in Jerusalem.
The attack marked Iran’s first direct assault on Israel, bringing the two countries to the brink of all-out conflict. The incident followed a recent Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Syria, which resulted in the death of a senior Iranian military figure.
As tensions continue to rise, the US House of Representatives is set to consider legislation in support of Israel and to hold Iran accountable for its actions. The situation remains fluid, with global powers closely monitoring the developments in the region.