Tensions escalated in the Middle East as Iran launched more than 100 drones towards Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The drone attack comes in response to a major Israeli operation that targeted Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking military officials, including General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
“We are working to intercept them,” said IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin, confirming the drone launches. “Iran launched approximately 100 UAVs towards Israeli territory, which we are working to intercept.” The IDF has activated its multi-layered defense systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow-3, to counter the incoming drones ¹ ².
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vowed a “harsh and decisive” response to the Israeli strikes, stating, “The Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see.” Iranian state media described the drone barrage as a “first phase” of its response, warning that further action may follow if Israel continues its military campaign ³ ².
The Israeli military operation, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion,” involved over 200 fighter jets striking more than 100 targets across Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes, saying they were necessary to prevent Iran from building an atomic weapon.
The US has distanced itself from the strikes, warning Iran not to attack US bases in the region.