### **Iran’s Missile Strike on Israel: Latest Developments**
**H3.** **Magnitude of the Assault**
Iran launched approximately 180 ballistic missiles towards Israel, with some successfully hitting Israeli territory. The Israeli military reported that while a significant number of missiles were intercepted, there were recorded impacts in the center and southern parts of the country.
**H3.** **Damage and Casualties**
The extent of the damage remains uncertain, but Israeli medical personnel reported no serious injuries. Two individuals sustained minor wounds from shrapnel. The Israeli military confirmed that only a small number of impacts were recorded, with most missiles being intercepted by air defense systems.
**H3.** **Prompting the Attack**
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the attacks a direct response to the killing of prominent IRGC commander and leaders of Iran-supported militias, including Hezbollah leader Nasrallah and IR commander Abbasforoshan in Beirut, as well as the death of Hamas political figure Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
**H3.** **International Response**
– **US Support for Israel**: President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support for Israel, describing the attack as “defeated and ineffective.” The US military assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles, with US naval destroyers firing about a dozen interceptors.
– **Israeli Vows for Retaliation**: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against Iran, stating that Iran had “made a grave error” and would “face consequences”.
– **Global Leaders’ Statements**: The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalation, urging for an immediate ceasefire. Iranian Presidentoud Peeshk described the missile strike as a “decisive response” to Israel’s “hostilities”.
**H3.** **Potential Next Steps**
The Israeli military has signaled that there will be serious repercussions following the recent attack. The US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned of “serious consequences” for Iran should it continue its attacks on Israel. The IRGC indicated that Tehran’s response would be “more devastating and destructive” if Israel retaliated.
