Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against Iran following a missile attack on Israel, which Tehran warned would result in "vast destruction" if met with a response, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict. Washington reiterated its unwavering support for Israel, while Iran’s armed forces cautioned that any direct intervention by Israel’s allies would provoke a "strong attack" on their interests in the region.

"Iran made a big mistake tonight—and it will pay for it," Netanyahu said, following a security meeting. The missile assault by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps was reportedly in response to Israeli actions, including targeted killings of militant leaders linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Tehran accused Israel of escalating aggression in Lebanon and Gaza.

Tensions have been steadily increasing as Israel ramped up its military campaign in Lebanon over the last two weeks, launching a ground operation on Monday amidst ongoing hostilities in Gaza. Iran’s missile strike on Tuesday involved more than 180 ballistic missiles, with alarms ringing throughout Israel. Explosions were reported in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley, leading Israelis to take shelter.

Iran employed hypersonic Fattah missiles in the attack, claiming that 90% hit their intended targets. Despite these claims, Israeli air defences—supported by a U.S.-led coalition—intercepted the majority of the missiles, according to Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. A small number of missiles struck central and southern Israel, including a school in Gadera, though no major injuries were reported.

One Palestinian man was killed in the West Bank, and U.S. Navy warships fired interceptors to assist in defending Israel. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’s full backing for Israel, describing the Iranian attack as "ineffective" and highlighting discussions on Israel’s potential response.

"We will act. Iran will feel the consequences of their actions," Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon warned, a sentiment echoed by the White House, which promised "severe consequences" for Iran.

While no specifics were offered, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that the U.S. would collaborate with Israel to ensure Iran faces repercussions.

Iran responded with a warning that any Israeli retaliation would be met with severe destruction of Israel’s infrastructure. Iranian forces also vowed to target regional assets of any ally involved in Israeli military actions.

Israel’s escalating military activities in Lebanon included strikes that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other senior Hezbollah figures. Hamas praised the missile attacks as a fitting response to Israeli assassinations, and Palestinians in Gaza celebrated as rockets flew toward Israel. However, several of these rockets fell short, landing within Gaza itself.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut resulted in over 50 casualties, with hundreds more injured, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Israeli military forces also launched ground raids into Lebanon, marking the first such operation in 18 years.

As tensions mount, both Israeli and Iranian leaders are positioning themselves for potential large-scale conflict. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has advocated for strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling this "the greatest opportunity in 50 years to change the face of the Middle East." With Hezbollah’s capabilities significantly diminished following Israeli strikes, Iran’s ability to deter an attack on its nuclear infrastructure has been severely weakened.

President Biden has deployed another U.S. carrier battle group to the Mediterranean, signalling that any Iranian aggression towards Israel would also be considered an attack on the U.S.

With Israeli jets and helicopters flying overhead and constant bombings of Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, Israeli citizens brace for an uncertain future. While Israeli leadership pledges harsh retaliation for the missile barrage, Iran threatens even greater violence in response to any military counteractions, setting the stage for a volatile and unpredictable situation.

The possibility of diplomatic resolution appears slim, as both sides remain committed to their course of action. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the escalating violence, calling for an immediate ceasefire. However, the prospects for peace remain bleak as Iran and Israel gear up for further conflict.