In an escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran launched a retaliatory strike against Israel late on April 13, marking its first direct attack on Israeli territory, Reuters reported. The assault, which involved explosive drones and missiles, has heightened the threat of a broader regional conflict, prompting swift responses from global leaders.
U.S. President Joe Biden, in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirmed unwavering support for Israel, pledging an "ironclad" backing. Biden announced plans to convene a meeting of G7 leaders to coordinate a diplomatic response to what he termed Iran's "brazen attack."
Amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and escalating tensions across the region, the White House indicated that the U.S. would oppose any Israeli counterattack against Iran. Additionally, Israel has requested condemnation of Iran's attack and the designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) as a terrorist organization in a scheduled UN Security Council meeting.
In fact, In a stern declaration, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted that any American involvement in assaults against Iran's interests would be met with severe repercussions.
"The government of the United States is warned that any assistance or participation that harms Iran's interests will cause the United States strong regret and a strong response from the military," Iran's state news agency IRNA quoted a corps statement as saying.
According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel's military spokesperson, Iran launched dozens of ground-to-ground missiles, most of which were intercepted outside Israeli borders. Hagari reported that the Iranian assault, consisting of more than 200 drones and missiles, caused light damage to one Israeli military facility.
Despite the initial threat, the Israeli military later indicated that residents were not advised to seek shelter, suggesting a decrease in the immediate danger. However, Israeli officials hinted at a forthcoming "significant response" to the attack.
Iran's strikes were primarily directed at Israeli installations, with no deliberate targeting of U.S. military forces. Iran had pledged to retaliate following what it termed an Israeli attack on its Damascus consulate on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of seven officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two senior commanders. Tehran characterized its strike as a response to "Israeli crimes." Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the consulate attack.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations issued a warning, stating that if the Israeli government were to repeat such actions, Iran's response would be significantly harsher. Furthermore, Iran cautioned the United States to refrain from involvement. However, Iran also stated that it considered the matter resolved.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized America's commitment to protecting its forces and supporting Israel's defense while expressing a desire to avoid conflict with Iran.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Iran's attack, expressing deep concern about the potential for a wider regional escalation. Meanwhile, Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy noted Iran's assertion of self-defense under the UN Charter framework.
President Biden, who had previously cautioned Iran against such actions, returned to Washington from a weekend visit to his home state to convene with national security advisers, vowing steadfast support for Israel's security.
The conflict in Gaza, which has expanded to include Lebanon and Syria, now threatens to evolve into a confrontation between Iran and its allies against Israel, backed by the United States. Egypt has called for utmost restraint to prevent further escalation.
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