Iran attacks Israel

New Delhi, Oct 1: Iran has confirmed launching a series of missile strikes on Israel, with Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announcing "dozens" of missiles fired.

State-run Iranian television broadcast the IRGC’s statement, which warned of further attacks if Israel responds militarily.

According to  BBC and CNN, and political analysts, these strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as both sides exchange threats and actions.

Tehran framed the missile attack as a retaliation for recent targeted assassinations of prominent figures. The IRGC cited the July killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last Friday, along with the deaths of civilians in Lebanon and Palestine, as key motivations for the strike. Iranian forces have reportedly targeted “important bases” in Israel, with further details expected to emerge.

Israel confirmed the attack, with air raid sirens sounding across the country, forcing civilians into shelters. BBC reporters in Jerusalem noted hearing missile interceptions in the skies above, while Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) issued statements maintaining that no casualties had been reported.

Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, emphasised Israel’s state of heightened readiness: “We are on high alert both defensively and offensively. This attack will have consequences.”

In parallel, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli troops had entered southern Lebanon, conducting what the military described as a “limited, localised and targeted” raid aimed at Hizbollah positions. However, Hizbollah denied any breach of Lebanese territory, adding to the confusion surrounding the ground operations. Lebanon's Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, expressed serious concern, warning that the country faces “one of the most dangerous phases of its history."

As tensions escalate, CNN reported that U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are closely monitoring the situation from the White House’s Situation Room. The U.S. National Security Council has confirmed that Biden directed the military to support Israel’s defence systems, particularly its air defences, but stressed that the U.S. is not involved in ground operations in Lebanon.

Israel had earlier been warned by U.S. intelligence that Iranian strikes were likely, with potential targets including air bases and intelligence facilities. One such facility in Glilot, north of Tel Aviv, was evacuated as a precautionary measure. Diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict are ongoing, but their success remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, in a separate shooting incident in Tel Aviv, where a shooting near a light rail station in Jaffa left eight people dead and another eight wounded. Israeli police quickly responded, neutralising two attackers they described as terrorists. Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency services, confirmed treating the injured at the scene.

The mounting conflict has drawn international concern, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres calling for an immediate ceasefire. UN officials are warning that an all-out war in Lebanon must be avoided at all costs, and efforts to de-escalate are underway.

As both Israel and Iran brace for possible further conflict, regional and international actors scramble to prevent further escalation of war that will massively affect the region. The stakes are high, with multiple fronts now simmering in one of the most volatile regions in the world.