Iran Rains Down 180 Missiles On Israel In ‘Revenge’ Attack, IDF Chief Says No More Threat

Iran on Tuesday launched hundreds of missiles at Israel, just hours after a US official warned that Tehran was preparing to “imminently launch a ballistic missile attack.”

Iran said the attack was in response to killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Brigadier General Abbas Nilforushan last week in an Israeli airstrike, as well as the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing in Tehran in July.

“At this moment, we understand it was approximately 180 projectiles,” an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson told CNN. “But this is not final, and (is) an initial estimate.”

Several reports also said between 150 and 200 missiles were fired by Iran in the attack. This was Iran’s second strike on Israel, following a missile and drone attack in April in response to a deadly Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

However, according to the Tehran Times, Iran launched “400 ballistic missiles” at Israel. The missiles were fired from Iranian cities including Isfahan, Tabriz, Khoramabad, Karaj, and Arak.

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‘Large number’ of Iran missiles intercepted: IDF

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed that the military intercepted a large number of missiles fired by Iran, but noted that there were a few “hits” in the central region and other areas in the south of the country.

“We have carried out a large number of interceptions. There were a few hits in the centre and other areas in the south of the country,” Hagari stated.

Biden Orders US Military To Intercept

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday ordered the US military to “aid Israel’s defence” and shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel.

In a statement, the White House said Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee in next month’s US presidential election, are both monitoring Iran’s attack on Israel.

On social media platform X, Biden expressed his support for Israel, stating that the United States is “prepared to help.”

“This morning, @VP and I convened our national security team to discuss Iranian plans to launch an imminent missile attack against Israel. We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region,” Biden’s post said.

‘Stay close to safety shelters’: Govt Advisory To Indian Citizens

Following the US warning, the Indian Embassy in Israel issued an advisory on Tuesday evening, urging all Indian nationals in the country to remain vigilant and stay close to safety shelters following reports that Iran is preparing an “imminent” missile attack on Israel.

The embassy shared this advisory on social media X and provided a Google Doc link for the registration of Indian nationals in Israel.

Additionally, the embassy reassured citizens that it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact with Israeli authorities.

Take Shelter—US Advises Citizens in ‘Israel, West Bank & Gaza’

The US Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs—also issued a social media post on X, stating that due to the current security situation, it has directed all American government employees and their family members in “Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza” to shelter in place until further notice.

“The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without warning,” the statement read.

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‘Intense fighting in southern Lebanon’

Furthermore, Israel on Tuesday said that its troops were engaged in “intense fighting” in southern Lebanon after announcing it had launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah, just days after an airstrike in Beirut killed its chief, Hassan Nasrallah.

“Intense fighting is taking place in southern Lebanon,” Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Telegram. “For your personal safety, we ask you not to travel by vehicles from the north to the south of the Litani River.”

Hezbollah, however, has denied that Israeli troops have entered Lebanon, stating that its fighters are prepared for a “direct confrontation” if they do cross the border.

Russia Urges Israel To Withdraw Troops From Lebanon

Russia on Tuesday called on Israel to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, warning that the attack would lead to further escalation of violence in the Middle East.

“Russia strongly condemns the attack on Lebanon and calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw their troops from Lebanese territory and engage in a real search for peaceful ways to resolve the Middle East conflict,” the Russian foreign ministry stated.

“It is obvious that such a step taken by the Israeli military and political leadership following the assassination of a number of Hezbollah leaders will lead to a further escalation of violence in the Middle East region.”

‘Ready to have direct confrontation’: Hezbollah

In its first response since Israel announced its ground operation, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afifi called reports of Israeli forces entering Lebanon “false claims.”

“All the Zionist claims that (Israeli) occupation forces have entered Lebanon are false claims,” Afifi said, Afifi stated, adding that there has not yet been any direct ground clash between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces.

He further noted that Hezbollah fighters are ready “to have direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon to inflict casualties among them.”

When did the ground offensive start?

On late Monday, Israel’s military began what it described as “limited, localised, and targeted raids” against Hezbollah in the border areas of southern Lebanon. Its ground forces are supported by fighter jets and artillery fire.

The military officially announced the start of the ground offensive just hours after the United States (US) said that Israeli forces were conducting limited operations in Lebanon.

While the military did not disclose the number of soldiers involved in the incursion, it confirmed that its 98th division—comprising paratroopers and commando units—was participating. This division had previously been deployed in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces continue to engage with Palestinian militants led by Hamas.

The military also designated three areas along the northern border with Lebanon as a “closed military zone,” marking the first indication of a potential ground offensive.

(With inputs from agencies)