Why Iran Launched Drone And Missile Strike On Israel?

Israel-Iran tensions have escalated amid Gaza war. This is the first time Iran has launched a direct attack on Israel, though it had been backing Hezbollah that targeted Israel several times in past.

Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel late Saturday, firing missiles and drones targeted at the country often referred to as its archrival. This is the first time Iran has directly launched an attack on Israel, though its has been backing Hezbollah in Lebanon, who have launched multiple strikes against Israel in the past. Meanwhile, the US has said it will stand with Israel against all threats from Iran.

"The regime in Iran sent a massive swarm of over 200 killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles," Israel's Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated in a statement. US, UK, and Jordanian forces intercepted the Iranian drones. US President Joe Biden has vowed "ironclad" support for Israel against Iranian attacks. Taking to X, Biden stated: "I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran's attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad."

Why Iran Attacked Israel?

Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Iran had been backing Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, who have launched multiple strikes against Israel in the past, Iran has now launched a direct assault following its allegation that Israel was responsible for the recent deaths of its generals in the Damascus embassy attack earlier this month.

A senior commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force was among those killed in an airstrike on April 1 during a meeting at the embassy compound.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had vowed retaliation, accusing Israel of killing an Iranian official. Khamenei had stated that Israel "must be punished and shall be" for what he deemed an assault akin to an attack on Iranian territory.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its role in the incident.

Today, Iran declared that the strike served as retribution for "Israeli crimes".

"Should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe," the Iranian mission to the United Nations said, warning the United States to “stay away” from the conflict.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is scheduled to convene an urgent meeting on Sunday in response to Iran's unprecedented drone and missile strike on Israel.

Numerous nations have denounced Iran's assault on Israel, with countries such as Britain and France affirming their commitment to Israel's security.