The long-standing tension between Iran and Israel reached a dangerous new level on Tuesday night, as Iran fired over 200 ballistic missiles towards Israeli cities and military bases in a massive escalation of hostilities. The strike, Tehran’s largest in recent years, was triggered by Israel’s intense ground incursion into southern Lebanon aimed at Hezbollah forces. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran would “pay a heavy price” for the assault, further escalating fears of a broader regional conflict.
The missile barrage sent Israeli air defences into high alert as rockets blazed across the skies, illuminating cities along Israel’s coast. While many missiles were intercepted, some hit their targets, causing significant damage and spreading panic.
In the aftermath of the attack, Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Tehran. “Iran has committed a grave mistake tonight, and they will learn the cost of threatening Israel’s security. We are determined to defend ourselves and will not hesitate to retaliate,” he said during an emergency security cabinet meeting.
The Iranian strike followed Israel’s aggressive military action in Lebanon earlier this week. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched their largest ground attack into southern Lebanon since the 2006 war, targeting Hezbollah strongholds following the killing of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, by Israeli airstrikes in Beirut. The attack on Hezbollah has heightened the conflict, as Iran—Hezbollah’s key ally—moved to retaliate.
Tehran justified its missile strikes as a defensive response to Israeli aggression, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian labelling it a “decisive response” against Zionist forces. In a televised statement, Pezeshkian warned, “Let Netanyahu know that Iran stands firm in its defence. We do not seek conflict, but we will not tolerate threats.” Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is said to have personally authorised the missile launch, a move that underscores the gravity of the situation.
The conflict has raised alarm across the globe. French President Emmanuel Macron called the missile strikes “unacceptable” and urged for an immediate ceasefire, while also mobilising French military resources to the Middle East to counter what he described as an “Iranian threat”. The United States also condemned the Iranian assault, with senior officials warning that Iran would face “serious consequences” if the situation escalated further. US warships stationed in the eastern Mediterranean intercepted several Iranian missiles during the attack, demonstrating Washington’s commitment to Israel’s defence.
Meanwhile, diplomatic channels appear to be failing. A 21-day ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and France last week now looks unlikely to hold, as tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Iran continue. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to exercise restraint, warning of the potential for a full-scale war. “I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict, with escalation after escalation,” Guterres said. “This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.”
On Wednesday morning, Israel escalated its response by launching airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The strikes came shortly after the IDF issued multiple evacuation orders for residents, warning of the impending attacks. Buildings linked to Hezbollah were reportedly destroyed in the strikes, further fuelling the cycle of violence.
Adding to the turmoil, a terror attack unfolded in the Israeli city of Jaffa just before the missile barrage began. Gunmen killed seven people and injured ten others, including an IDF soldier, further exacerbating fears that the violence may spread to Israeli urban centres. The attack has raised concerns that the escalating conflict could lead to an uptick in terror activities within Israel itself.
The wider implications of the conflict are beginning to show. Oil prices surged by 5% on news of the Iranian missile strikes, reflecting the growing fear of a regional conflict that could destabilise the Middle East’s vital oil supplies. Economists have warned that further hostilities could cause significant disruption to global energy markets, with potential knock-on effects for inflation and the cost of living worldwide.
Global powers are working urgently to defuse the situation, with Germany, the UK, and France calling for a halt to hostilities. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for an immediate cessation of Iranian and Hezbollah attacks on Israel, warning that the entire region was at risk of being “set on fire”. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the Iranian strikes with an official statement, offering his support to Israel while urging restraint.
Despite these efforts, the future remains uncertain as both sides brace for more confrontation. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, hinted that the missile strikes may not be over, stating on social media that further retaliation could be on the cards if Israel does not stop its military actions in Lebanon.
As the conflict continues to unfold, millions across Israel and Lebanon are left in fear of what could come next, with civilians on both sides suffering the consequences of an escalating war.
