**Israel and Iran Engage in Drones Battle**
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israel launched over 100 drones against Iran in the last few hours. According to Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin, the drone attack follows heavy air strikes by Israel against Iran’s nuclear program.
The attacks come after reports emerged that Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was among those killed in a recent wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are working to shoot down the incoming Iranian drones, which are expected to take several hours to reach their targets.
**”Preemptive” Attack**
Israel said it had deployed some 200 aircraft for its “preemptive” attack overnight, dropping over 330 munitions on 100 sites. The full extent of the consequences is not yet clear, but multiple explosions were reported in Tehran, with videos posted online showing fire burning in several locations of the Iranian capital.
**Reaction from Iran and the US**
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed to enact “severe punishment” in response to the attack. However, he also accused the United States for being “also responsible for the dangerous consequences of this reckless escalation.” The U.S. State Department released a statement saying that the United States was not involved in the strikes on Iran and called it a “unilateral action.”
The US Embassy in Israel has instructed its employees and family members to take shelter until further notice, as a precaution against any risks resulting from the regional escalation.
**Regional Tensions**
The attacks are taking place amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. In April 2024, Iran launched 170 drones and 150 missiles against Israel, with an overwhelming majority being shot down outside of Israel with the assistance of Western partners.
This recent attack by Iran is a response to Israel’s strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this year as part of the broader Israel-Hamas war. Jordan has closed its airspace “as a precaution against any risks resulting from the regional escalation.”
**What’s Next?**
As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how these latest developments will play out. Will Iran’s Supreme Leader follow through on his promise of severe punishment? And what role will the United States and other Western countries play in this escalating conflict?
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
