Israel-Iran Conflict: Israel's military chief on Monday said that the country is prepared to retaliate against Iran's unprecedented attack and is awaiting directions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Concerns of escalation in the Middle East crisis loom large. In response, Iran declared its readiness to react within 'seconds' to any strikes from Israel.
On April 13, Iran carried out its first direct military attack on Israel. In the attack, Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones. This retaliation was in response to a fatal airstrike on Tehran's consulate building in Damascus, the capital of Syria, on April 1, which resulted in the death of two high-ranking Iranian generals. Israel was widely accused of conducting this airstrike.
Iran's Drone Attack Thwarted, IDF Gives Name To Successful Operation: ‘Iron Shield’
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officially designated the successful interception of drones and missiles launched by Iran as operation “Iron Shield." “'Iron Shield' – the official name of the interception and thwarting operation of the Iranian attack on Saturday,” the IDF posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Out of the total of 170 drones and 150 missiles launched by Iran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reports that 99% were successfully intercepted. This interception was carried out by the IDF's air defenses and fighter jets, in coordination with its coalition of allies led by the United States.
Israel Will Respond To Iran's Attack: IDF Chief Of Staff
Israel's top military leader has confirmed that the nation will retaliate against Iran's missile and drone assault. However, the nature and extent of this response remain uncertain, raising concerns about the potential for escalating the ongoing conflict into a full-scale regional war.
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, gave the most clear confirmation to date following the attack that Israel intends to take retaliatory action. “This launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response,” Halevi was quoted as saying by The Guardian in its report.
Israel's war cabinet convened for the fourth time in the past two days on Monday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Benny Gantz, the former defense minister and centrist rival to Netanyahu, once again deliberated on strategies to navigate the delicate balance between escalation and deterrence.
'Warned White House That Any Fresh Israeli Military Act Will Face Quick Response': Iran
The Iranian Foreign Minister has stated that Tehran has issued a clear warning to the United States, highlighting its preparedness to promptly and resolutely retaliate against any new military actions by Israel that jeopardize Iran's interests and security.
In a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi late on Monday, Hossein Amir Abdollahian stated: "We have clearly warned the White House that in the event of the Israeli regime's adventurism in repeating terrorist attacks against Iran's interests and security, Tehran's next response and action will be decisive, immediate, and extensive," Tehran Times reported.
'Must Avoid Conflict At All Cost': Iranians Anxious As Israel Weighs Strike Response
The possibility of Israeli retaliation following Iran's drone and missile attack over the weekend has sparked concern among several Iranians, who are already grappling with economic hardships and increased social and political restrictions following protests in 2022-23, news agency Reuters reported.
Iran's political and military figures have consistently cautioned that they will escalate further in response to any Israeli retaliation, potentially leading to additional attacks.
For ordinary citizens like Hesam, a 45-year-old teacher from the northern city of Amol, this escalation would only bring further adversity. "Economic pressure will mount, our safety will be jeopardized ... We must avoid conflict at all cost. I don't want a war. How can I protect my two children? Nowhere will be safe," he stated.
Homemaker Parvaneh is apprehensive that an Israeli strike could deliver the final blow to the economy, which has already been weakened by years of sanctions, mismanagement, and corruption. "We Iranians have endured more than enough for years. War brings only disaster. My husband is a factory worker. We do not have even enough money to buy staples let alone stockpiling them," she stated.
Iran's Attack Against Israel Warning Not To Cross Red Lines: Amirabdollahian
In a telephonic conversation with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that Iran's attack on Israel was a medium of conveying a warning to the Israeli government about the repercussions of violating Iran's established boundaries.
Speaking with Baerbock, Amirabdollahian stated that the Iranian armed forces' robust operation against the Israeli regime on Saturday night as a "precise" and "limited" strike on military installations. He highlighted that the operation was a response to the Israeli assault on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria.
Slamming Germany's support for the Zionist regime, the top Iranian diplomat warned that "if the Israeli regime wants to continue its adventurous moves, the retaliatory action will be swift and large-scale."
Iran Able To 'Handle Situation' And Spare Middle East More Tension: China
China expressed confidence that Iran could manage the situation effectively and prevent further instability in the region while upholding its sovereignty and dignity, news agency Reuters reported. This statement pertained to both the attack on Iran's embassy in Syria and its subsequent retaliatory strike over the weekend.
During a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed China's appreciation for Iran's commitment to avoiding targeting regional and neighbouring countries. This information was reported by the official Xinhua news agency on Tuesday.