Air raid alerts sounded across central Israel after Yemen's Houthi movement launched a missile toward Israeli territory. The incident came as Israel confirmed strikes on military targets in western and central Iran following reported missile attacks. Explosions were reported in Tehran, Tabriz and Isfahan, while Israeli officials warned that Iran had made a grave mistake. A US defence official said American forces were not involved in the operation. The developments have intensified fears of a wider regional escalation across the Middle East.
Details of the Attack
The Houthi missile launch triggered immediate air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, sending residents scrambling for shelters. Israeli defence systems intercepted the projectile, but the incident heightened tensions already soaring after Israel's confirmed strikes inside Iran. According to reports, explosions were heard in multiple Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, Tabriz in the northwest, and Isfahan in the central region. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted military infrastructure used by Iran to support attacks against Israel.
International Reactions
The United States quickly distanced itself from the operation, with a defence official stating that American forces were not involved. Meanwhile, Israeli officials issued stern warnings, asserting that Iran's actions constituted a grave error and that Israel would continue to defend itself. The Houthi movement, which controls large parts of Yemen, has previously launched missiles toward Israel, often in solidarity with Iran. This latest exchange has raised concerns of a broader regional conflict, with potential implications for global security.
As the situation unfolds, world leaders have called for restraint. The United Nations urged both sides to de-escalate, while regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE expressed concern over the growing instability. Analysts warn that the cycle of retaliation could spiral out of control, drawing in other actors and exacerbating the already volatile Middle East landscape.
