In a historic first, Iran launched a direct military attack on Israel, triggering a wave of international reactions and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israel has hailed its success in intercepting over 99% of more than 300 drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles launched by Iran. The attack marked a significant turning point in the longstanding enmity between the two countries.
The United States has swiftly moved to support Israel, deploying aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region. President Biden has vowed to convene allies for a unified response to the attack, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in the face of escalating conflict.
International leaders, including the UN Secretary-General, have called for an immediate halt to hostilities in the Middle East. Countries like France, Germany, Canada, and the UK have condemned Iran’s actions, with Israeli Defense Minister condemning Iran as a “country of terror” after the attack.
Hamas has praised Iran’s attack on Israel, while Hezbollah fired rockets towards Israeli military posts in the Golan Heights in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. Jordan reported shooting down Iranian objects flying over its territory.
As tensions escalate, G7 leaders convened in a video call to discuss the situation. Iran has claimed its strike was more successful than expected, describing the attack as a limited operation in response to perceived aggression by the “Zionist enemy.”
Pope Francis has appealed for peace, urging Iran and Israel to avoid a spiral of violence. Iran summoned three European ambassadors after their countries condemned the attack, with Germany expressing concern and calling for a prudent approach to prevent further escalation.
Iran has warned the US against cooperating with Israel in any new military attack, while Hamas demanded a written commitment from Israel to withdraw from Gaza during a potential cease-fire deal. Israel has reopened its airspace following the Iranian attack, as the region remains on high alert for further escalations in the conflict.
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