Israeli media has claimed that Iran has fired at least 400 ballistic missiles at Israel, resulting in war sirens being sounded in Tel Aviv and other areas.
State media has confirmed that Iran has launched a missile attack on Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial hub.
The official IRNA news agency stated that Iran carried out “a missile attack on Tel Aviv,” without providing further details.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that the ongoing missile attack was in response to the recent killings of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, and Guards commander Nilforoshan.
“In response to the martyrdom of [Hamas leader] Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah, and [Guards commander] Nilforoshan, we targeted the heart of the occupied territories (Israel),” the Guards said in a statement reported by Fars news agency.
The Guards also warned of further “crushing attacks” on Israel if it retaliated following the missile strike. “If the Zionist regime reacts to Iranian operations, it will face crushing attacks,” the statement added.
Earlier, a senior White House official had claimed that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel imminently, warning that such an attack would have serious consequences for Iran.
According to foreign media, the White House official said that the US has received indications that Iran is preparing for a ballistic missile attack against Israel.
He added that they are actively cooperating with Israel on defensive preparations against this attack.
He further stated that any direct military attack by Iran on Israel would have severe consequences for Iran.
It is noteworthy that concerns of a strong response from Iran have arisen following an Israeli attack in Lebanon that led to the martyrdom of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.
Earlier in April, following an attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, the US and Western allies stepped forward to defend Israel when Iran simultaneously launched missile and drone attacks on Israel.
On the other hand, Iran had stated that Nasrallah’s martyrdom would lead to Israel’s destruction; however, Iran’s foreign ministry clarified that they are not sending their troops to Lebanon to confront Israel.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran that there is no place in the Middle East where Israel cannot reach, and that the time when Iran will be free is closer than people think.
The US called for a ceasefire in the region following Nasrallah’s martyrdom, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington is closely monitoring events in the Middle East.
During a meeting with Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita at the State Department, Blinken reaffirmed the US’ commitment to defending Israel.
Yesterday, Washington stated that it is increasing its military presence in the Middle East by several thousand troops, deploying new units, and extending the duration of those already stationed.
The Pentagon also stated that additional batches of warplanes are being deployed in the Middle East.
