Iran launched over 300 drone and missiles towards Israel

• Iran launched its first direct assault on Israeli territory in retaliation for a deadly Damascus strike.
• The attack sparked fears of a broader conflict between the regional foes.
• Iran’s proxies and allies carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions.

Israel remained on high alert on Sunday after Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack drew an international chorus of condemnation and sparked fears of a broader conflict. Late on Saturday, Iran launched its first-ever direct assault on Israeli territory in retaliation for a deadly Damascus strike, marking a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes.

Iran’s proxies and allies carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions as sirens sounded in many places, and AFP correspondents heard blasts in the skies above Jerusalem early on Sunday.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel against a “reckless” retaliation, stating that such action would provoke “a decisive and much stronger response.” Iran had repeatedly threatened to strike Israel in retaliation for a deadly April 1 air strike on its Damascus consular annex, and Washington had repeatedly warned in recent days that the reprisals were imminent. It remained unclear how Israel would respond to Iran’s attack. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated, “The campaign is not over yet — we must remain alert.”

US President Joe Biden reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” support for Israel while appearing to guide its staunch ally away from a military response.

Late on Saturday, Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles toward Israel, injuring 12 people, according to the Israeli army. However, the army stated that it intercepted almost all of them before they reached Israeli territory, with help from the United States, Jordan, Britain, and other allies.

Many nations have called for restraint, and the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting later on Sunday.

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