Iran launches ballistic missiles at Israel, warns of ‘crushing’ response to any retaliation

 **Escalating Conflict in the Middle East: Iran Fires Missiles at Israel**

## **Background of the Conflict Between Iran and Israel**

The relationship between Iran and Israel has been hostile for decades, with tensions increasing in recent years due to Iran's support for militant groups in the region, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Iran's Revolutionary Guard, an elite military force in the country, has played a central role in supporting these groups financially and militarily. Israel, on the other hand, views Iran's activities as a direct threat to its security, as both Hezbollah and Hamas have launched numerous attacks on Israel over the years.

This latest escalation is part of a broader pattern of hostility and violence between the two countries, which have never had diplomatic relations. The roots of their conflict stretch back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, when Iran's new government, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, adopted an anti-Israel stance and called for the elimination of the "Zionist regime." Since then, Iran has actively supported groups and militias opposed to Israel, while Israel has conducted numerous military operations to counter this influence.

#### **What Sparked This Recent Wave of Violence?**

The recent wave of violence began when Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon and Hamas leaders in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are two groups that have received significant support from Iran over the years. These groups often engage in armed conflict with Israel, which sees them as major threats due to their anti-Israel agendas and their history of launching rocket attacks from Lebanon and Gaza.

One of the airstrikes killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a major figure in the organization who had led it for many years. In addition, the leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was also killed in a separate attack. Israel viewed these leaders as responsible for attacks on its civilians and military targets, justifying the airstrikes as necessary to protect its population.

The deaths of Nasrallah and Haniyeh sent shockwaves through the region, as both men were considered symbols of resistance against Israel. Iran, as a close ally and supporter of both Hezbollah and Hamas, vowed revenge for their deaths, setting the stage for a dramatic escalation.

#### **Iran’s Response: A Missile Attack on Israel**

On a Tuesday morning, in retaliation for Israel's airstrikes and the deaths of its allies' leaders, Iran fired a large barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel. Ballistic missiles are powerful, long-range weapons designed to carry heavy explosives over vast distances. The goal of the missile attack was to hit strategic locations in Israel, causing damage and sending a message that Iran would not sit idly by while its allies were attacked.

As alarms rang out across Israel, citizens rushed to bomb shelters for safety. These alarms are part of Israel's Iron Dome defense system, which detects incoming missiles and launches interceptors to shoot them down before they can cause damage. Despite the efforts of the Iron Dome, the sheer number of missiles launched by Iran—between 150 and 200, according to reports—created a chaotic and dangerous situation for Israelis on the ground.

Explosions were heard in several major cities, including Jerusalem, and in rural areas like the Jordan River valley. Although most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s defense system before hitting their targets, some managed to get through. In one case, shrapnel from an intercepted missile caused light injuries to two people in the Tel Aviv area.

After about an hour of bombardment, Israeli authorities announced that the immediate threat had passed, and it was safe for residents to leave their protected shelters. By this time, Iran had already issued a statement through its Revolutionary Guards, taking responsibility for the missile attack. They declared that the strikes were in direct retaliation for the deaths of Nasrallah and Haniyeh, whom they referred to as "martyrs."

#### **What Is Hezbollah, and Why Is It Important in This Conflict?**

Hezbollah is a Shiite Muslim political and military organization based in Lebanon. It was formed in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War, initially as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon. Since then, Hezbollah has grown into one of the most powerful militant groups in the region, with significant military capabilities, including thousands of rockets and missiles, many supplied by Iran.

Hezbollah’s relationship with Iran is crucial to understanding its role in the broader conflict between Israel and Iran. Iran provides Hezbollah with funding, weapons, and military training, making it a key player in Iran’s strategy to challenge Israeli influence in the Middle East. In return, Hezbollah acts as a proxy for Iran, launching attacks on Israel from Lebanon whenever tensions rise.

Over the years, Hezbollah has carried out numerous attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians. In 2006, Hezbollah and Israel fought a full-scale war, during which Hezbollah fired thousands of rockets into Israel, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The war ended in a ceasefire, but Hezbollah’s military capabilities have only grown since then.

For Israel, Hezbollah represents a serious threat due to its proximity to Israeli borders and its ability to strike Israeli cities with long-range rockets. This is why Israel has targeted Hezbollah leaders like Nasrallah, hoping to weaken the organization by removing its top commanders.

#### **Hamas and Its Role in the Conflict**

Hamas is another major player in the conflict, based in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory bordering Israel. Like Hezbollah, Hamas receives support from Iran and shares its goal of resisting Israeli occupation. However, Hamas is a Sunni Muslim group, while Hezbollah is Shiite, and they operate in different parts of the region.

Hamas has a long history of conflict with Israel, including multiple wars in which it has fired thousands of rockets at Israeli towns and cities. The group's military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, is responsible for most of these attacks, and it operates with the backing of Iran. In return, Hamas provides Iran with a foothold in the Palestinian territories, further extending Iran’s influence in the region.

The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was seen as a significant blow to the organization, as Haniyeh had been a prominent figure in its leadership for many years. His death prompted Iran’s missile attack on Israel, as Iran considers Hamas a crucial ally in its broader conflict with Israel.

#### **Iran’s Message to Israel and the World**

Following the missile attack, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a stern warning to Israel and its allies. They stated that the missile strikes were just the beginning and that if Israel chose to retaliate, Iran would respond with even more devastating attacks. This type of rhetoric is not uncommon in the Middle East, where both sides often engage in verbal threats in addition to military action.

Iran’s statement also emphasized that its actions were a "legal, rational, and legitimate response" to what it described as Israel’s "terrorist acts." By framing the missile attack in this way, Iran aimed to justify its actions on the world stage, portraying itself as a victim of Israeli aggression rather than an aggressor.

The Revolutionary Guards also made it clear that Iran was fully prepared for any further escalation. They warned Israel and its supporters—including the United States—to stay out of the conflict or face severe consequences. This message was likely intended not only for Israel but for the broader international community, as Iran has long sought to position itself as a defender of Muslim nations against Western and Israeli intervention.

#### **Israel’s Response: A Vow to Retaliate**

In the wake of the missile attack, Israel did not immediately retaliate. Instead, Israeli officials, including military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, announced that they would respond at a time and place of their choosing. This measured response is typical of Israel’s military strategy, which often involves careful planning and coordination before launching counterattacks.

Israel’s reluctance to immediately retaliate can be attributed to several factors. First, Israel is aware that any military action against Iran could trigger a broader regional war, dragging in other countries like Syria and Iraq, both of which have strong ties to Iran. Second, Israel relies heavily on its relationship with the United States, and any large-scale military response would likely require U.S. approval or at least coordination.

Despite the delay in retaliation, Israel made it clear that it would not let Iran’s missile attack go unanswered. The country has a long history of retaliating forcefully against attacks on its territory, and it is likely that Israeli military planners are already working on a strategy to strike back at Iran in a way that minimizes the risk of further escalation.

#### **The Role of the United States**

As Israel’s closest ally, the United States quickly became involved in the situation. President Joe Biden held meetings with his national security team and announced that the U.S. military was ready to assist Israel in defending against any further missile attacks. The U.S. has long provided Israel with military aid, including the technology for the Iron Dome missile defense system, which played a key role in intercepting many of the Iranian missiles.

The U.S. has a complex relationship with Iran, which has been marked by years of diplomatic tension and occasional military confrontations. While the Biden administration has expressed a desire to negotiate with Iran on issues like its nuclear program, the missile attack on Israel has complicated these efforts. For now, the U.S. appears focused on supporting Israel’s defense and preventing the conflict from spiraling into a broader war.

#### **International Reactions and Calls for Ceasefire**

The United Nations and other international organizations have expressed concern about the escalating conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that the situation in the Middle East was becoming increasingly dangerous. He urged both Israel and Iran to exercise restraint and avoid actions