Iran fires over 400 missiles at Israel, threatens ‘crushing attacks’ if Tel Aviv responds

Tensions in the Middle East have intensified with Iran firing over 400 missiles towards Israel, triggering sirens nationwide and prompting extensive emergency responses, according to international media citing the Israeli military.

The missiles were fired from various Iranian cities, including Isfahan and Tabriz. The decision to retaliate against Israel was made by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

Israel vowed to retaliate following the Iranian missile attack, with its army spokesman saying it would respond at the time and place of its choosing. “This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide,” Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said. Earlier, Hagari released a video statement saying “the air defence system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary, even at this moment.”

Earlier, Islamic revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in a statement said, “In the name of God almighty; as a response to the killing of Ismael Haniyeh, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and Abbas Nilforoushan, we targeted the heart of the Zionist occupying entity. If Israel responds, we will hit them a thousand times harder”

The IRGC also threatened to carry out “crushing attacks” against Israel if it retaliated to the missile attack. “If the Zionist regime reacts to Iranian operations, it will face crushing attacks,” the IRGC statement read

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that rockets from Iran were launched at Israel, prompting all Israeli civilians to take shelter.

US President Joe Biden expressed support for Israel, stating that the US is prepared to assist in defending against Iranian missile threats.

In response, Israel’s security cabinet held an urgent meeting in Jerusalem due to the imminent threat. The Israeli military reported no detected aerial threats from Iran but remains on alert.

The Indian Embassy in Israel advised Indian nationals to stay close to safety shelters, while the US Department of State instructed American government employees and their families in the region to shelter in place due to the escalating situation.