Live updates: Iran launches a series of strikes towards Israel

Iran has issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that any retaliation following the latest strikes will be met with a “stronger and more resolute” response. The tensions between the two countries have escalated after Iran claimed that the strikes over the weekend were in retaliation to an Israeli attack on its embassy complex in Damascus earlier this month.

Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, emphasized Iran’s right to self-defense and stated that any further military aggression from Israel would result in a forceful response. The strikes were specifically in response to an attack on April 1, which Iran alleges targeted diplomatic facilities in Damascus and resulted in the death of seven Iranian military advisors, including key commanders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The statement from Iran also criticized the United Nations Security Council for failing to uphold international peace and allowing Israel to breach established international norms, leading to an escalation of regional tensions. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the April 1 attack, with the Israel Defense Forces stating that the building targeted was a military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian building.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has seen numerous strikes on Iran-backed targets in Syria, often targeting weapons shipments intended for Hezbollah, a powerful Iranian proxy in Lebanon. The situation remains tense as both countries stand firm in their positions, raising concerns about further escalation in the region.