Tel Aviv: Iran launched a missile and drone attack on Israel on Saturday in response to an attack on its consulate building in Syria, marking Tehran’s first-ever direct assault on the Jewish state. Let’s delve into a detailed timeline of these events.
Timeline of the Attack
April 1 attack: Israel targeted Iran more than six months after the Gaza War began. An Israeli airstrike destroyed Iran’s consulate in Syria on April 1, resulting in the loss of eight officers and senior members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards. This strike signalled an escalation in Israel’s targeting of Iranian military personnel supporting terrorist organizations attacking Israel in Gaza and along its border with Lebanon. While Iran directly blamed Israel for the consulate attack, Israel neither confirmed nor denied responsibility. Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, supported by Iran, intensified since the Gaza War began nearly six months ago.
Tensions Rise Between the Two Nations – Ship Seized by Tehran: Following the consulate attack, anticipation mounted for Iran’s response. US intelligence suggested Iran and its proxies were gearing up for a strike on Israel. Shortly after, Tehran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most crucial oil shipping route. On Saturday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized a container ship off the UAE coast, with 25 crew members onboard, 17 of whom are reportedly Indian. Israel accused Iran of piracy, warning of consequences if the situation escalated further. Iran, on the other hand, claimed the vessel was linked to Israel in the Gulf.
April 13 Attack: Despite hostilities between Iran and Israel since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Saturday’s attack marked Iran’s maiden military assault on Israel. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for firing ballistic missiles at “specific targets” in Israel as part of “Operation True Promise.” The initial missile barrage struck Israel around two in the morning, causing explosions across the country and triggering widespread sirens. Alleged targets included the Israeli nuclear facility in Dimona, the contested city of Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv’s commercial centre. Iranian state media reported “heavy blows” inflicted by their missiles, causing “minor damage” to an Israeli base, as confirmed by Army spokesman Daniel Hagari. While some Iranian missiles landed inside Israel, most were intercepted outside the country, according to IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee, who reported about 200 aerial units launched from Iran, with one child reportedly injured.
Reactions from Israel and Iran: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted Israel’s readiness for a direct Iranian attack, emphasizing the nation’s preparedness defensively and offensively. Iran justified its military action as a response to Israel’s aggression against its diplomatic premises in Damascus, warning of harsher retribution if Israel repeated its “error.”
Global Response: The UN Security Council announced an emergency meeting on April 14 at Israel’s request, with regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Egypt advocating for restraint. World leaders condemned Iran’s aggression, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of the risk of devastating regional escalation. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Iran’s “careless” attack, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to Israel’s security and that of its regional allies. US National Security spokesperson Adrienne Watson reiterated President Biden’s unwavering support for Israel’s security, promising assistance against Iranian threats. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau denounced Iran’s attacks, reaffirming Canada’s solidarity with Israel.
