NEW DELHI: Marking its first direct assault on Israeli soil, Iran launched explosive drones and fired missiles late on Saturday stoking risks of further escalating tensions in the region.
Israeli military spokesperson said Iran launched more than 300 but 99% of them were intercepted.
The attack drew international condemnation with the UN terming it as “serious escalation” and US promising “ironclad” support to Israel.
Hamas supported the attack calling it Iran’s “natural right and a deserved response”.
The attack comes after Iran on Wednesday warned Israel of a retaliatory attack in response to Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1 that killed seven officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Israel on April 1 attacked Iranian consulate Damascus killing seven officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two senior commanders. However, Israel neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the attack.
Here’s all you need to know:

Iran attacks Israel

Iran on late Saturday launched drones and fired missiles at Israel in its first attack on the latter’s soil.
With 300 drones and missiles heading towards Israel, its aerial defense system was able to block 99% of them, preventing any major damage.
Iranian commanders warned Israel that the country would face a bigger attack if it retaliates against overnight drone and missile strikes, adding that Washington has been told not to back any military action from its ally.
US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran: White House
Biden told Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will not participate in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel choses to retaliate. Earlier, Biden had promised “ironclad” support for Israel.
Iran says retaliation ‘concluded’, warns Israel not to respond
Warning Israel not to retaliate against the attack, Iran said, “The matter can be deemed concluded.”
“However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe,” it added.

US, UK express support for Israel

Condemning the attack on Israel, the US expressed “ironclad” support for Israel.
“I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad,” Biden said.
British PM Rishi Sunak called the attack “reckless” and said, “I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack on Israel.”
“Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its backyard”, he added.

Russia, China call for exercising restraint

Unlike the US or UK, which openly extended support for Israel, Russia and China called upon the two nations to exercise restraint to avoid greater conflict in the region.
“China calls on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions,” its spokesperson said. “China calls on the international community, especially influential countries, to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability,” the statement said.
“We urge all the involved parties to show restraint. We are counting on the regional states to solve the existing problems with political and diplomatic means,” Russia said.

Hamas welcomes strike on Israel

Hamas, which has been locked in conflict with Israel since its attack on October 7, defended Iran’s attack on Israel, calling it a “natural right and a deserved response”.
“We in Hamas regard the military operation conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran a natural right and a deserved response to the crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus and the assassination of several leaders of the Revolutionary Guards,” said Hamas in a statement.
India releases helpline numbers for Indians in Israel
The ministry of external affairs released emergency helpline numbers to facilitate urgent assistance, the embassy provided 24/7 emergency contact information along with a form to register with the embassy for further update and support.
“In light of recent events in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay calm and adhere to the safety protocols issued by the local authorities (https://www.oref.org.i/en),” the ministry said in a post on X.

‘Israel must be punished’: Iran warns of retaliatory attack

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared on Wednesday said that Israel “must be punished and it shall be,” labeling the airstrike as an assault on Iranian territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s readiness to defend itself amidst ongoing military operations in Gaza.
“Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively,” Netanyahu stated during a visit to an air force base.

Countries issue travel advisory against travel to the conflict zone

Countries including India, France, Poland and Russia warned their citizens against travel to the region, already on edge over the war in Gaza. Germany on Friday called on its citizens to leave Iran.