Israel Launches Missile Strikes on Iran and Southern Syria in Retaliation to Iranian Attack

Israel has launched missile strikes against Iran and southern Syria in response to a failed Iranian attack on Israel over the weekend. The Iranian attack involved more than 300 uncrewed drones and missiles launched toward targets throughout Israel, marking the first direct military attack by Iran on Israeli soil.

The Israeli missile strikes targeted locations near Isfahan Airport and an Iranian military base in the northwest of Isfahan, Iran. Flights to Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz have been suspended following reports of an explosion heard in the city of Qahjavaristan, near the targeted sites.

The Iranian attack on Israel resulted in only one known Israeli casualty, a 7-year-old girl who was severely injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country's war cabinet have met several times since the Iran strikes, and at least two retaliatory strikes were previously aborted.

Israel says it intercepted nearly all of the Iranian missiles and drones using its air defense systems, with assistance from allies including the U.S. and U.K. However, Israel has indicated that this does not absolve Iran of responsibility for the attack or the intent behind it.

The G7 and other countries have condemned the Iranian attacks and called for new sanctions against Iran. The UN agency helping Palestinian refugees has accused Israel of trying to end its operations in Gaza and the West Bank, and has called for an independent investigation into the damage to its facilities during the exchange of fire.

Why this matters: The missile strikes by Israel mark a major escalation in regional tensions, as the attack by Iran was the first direct military assault on Israeli territory. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict, with Israel's allies urging restraint but the Israeli government reserving the right to protect itself.

Iran has remained largely silent on the specific missiles used in the attack, but IRGC-affiliated media have revealed that a variety of ballistic and cruise missiles were deployed, including the Emad ballistic missile. Israel has recovered a large remnant of an intercepted Emad missile, which traveled over 1,500 kilometers and reached a speed of approximately Mach 6. As the region stands on the brink of war, Israel now faces a choice between a military strike on Iranian soil or diplomatic patience in response to the attack.

Key Takeaways

• Israel launched missile strikes on Iran and Syria in retaliation for failed Iranian attack
• Iran's attack involved over 300 drones and missiles, the first direct military assault on Israel
• Israel intercepted most of the Iranian missiles and drones, but a 7-year-old girl was severely injured
• G7 and others condemned Iran's attack and called for new sanctions, as tensions escalate in the region
• Israel recovered an Emad ballistic missile, raising concerns about a potential military strike on Iran