World

MINUTE BY MINUTE: Iran launches massive airstrike against Israel

Biden reaffirms the United States' "ironclad commitment" to Israel's security while Netanyahu assures that "we will win" after successful defense.

Una fotografía proporcionada por la oficina del líder supremo de Irán, el ayatolá Ali Jamenei
(AFP)
SABRINA MARTIN
April 13, 2024
9 minutes read

Israel successfully intercepted 99% of the more than 300 drones and missiles that Iran launched against it. This is the first time that the Ayatollah's regime has carried out such a direct attack against the Jewish State.

This Saturday, Iran confirmed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) "fired dozens of cruise missiles at specific targets inside the occupied territories."

This incident comes days after a warning from the Iranian Supreme Leader in response to an airstrike against the Iranian consulate in Syria that claimed the lives of several generals.

Although Israel has not taken responsibility for the attack in Damascus, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that his country was already preparing for a possible direct attack by Iran.

Netanyahu underlined Israel's determination to confront any threat, both in attack and defense, declaring that they would respond firmly to any aggression. "I established a clear principle -- whoever hurts us, we hurt him. We will protect ourselves from any threat and we will do so with coolness and determination," he said.

Meanwhile, senior Israeli leaders have met to address the situation. The prime minister met with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the commander of the U.S. CENTCOM, General Michael Erik Kurilla, and the Israeli security echelon to discuss the measures to be taken.

Minute by minute:

Axios and CNN: Biden warns Israel that US will not support or participate in a counter-attack against Iran

A senior Administration official assured Axios and CNN that President Biden warned Israeli Prime Minister during their telephone conversation last Saturday thatthe US will not support or participate in an attack on Iran in response for the Ayatollah regime's offensive against Israel.

Netanyahu's first statements after the attack: "Together we will win"

The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, posted on X his first thoughts of what happened during the night: "We intercept. We stop. Together we will win."

Middle Eastern countries reopen their airspace

Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran reopened their airspace early Sunday morning (local time) following Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel overnight Saturday into Sunday.

Biden reaffirms United States' "ironclad commitment" and will try and coordinate "a united diplomatic response" with G7

In a statement, President Biden reiterated again the United States' "ironclad commitment" to Israel's security and announced that he will convene the G7 on Sunday to "coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack."

OAS condemns Iranian attack

The Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, issued a statement in which the organization "unequivocally condemns the attack by the Islamic Republic of Iran on the State of Israel." The secretary recognizes the legitimate right to defense "to combat terrorism, armed aggression and to exercise the protection of its people, as an ethical and legal imperative."

Israel requested an urgent U.N. meeting

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, reported that he sent an urgent letter to the Security Council requesting an emergency meeting to condemn Iran's attack and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

Israel's emergency services treated 31 people

A report indicates that emergency services in Israel treated 31 people who suffered anxiety or minor injuries after emergency sirens were activated across the country.

Israel assures that there is no longer any need to seek refuge

Reactions of U.S. politicians to the attack

U.S. officials at virtually all levels have reacted strongly to the Iranian attack.

More than 200 types of missiles and drones launched against Israel

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reported that Iran fired more than 200 different types of missiles and drones (including killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles) toward his country.

"The IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted the majority of the launches," the IDF reported.

U.N. condemns attack

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns "the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack" against Israel.

U.S. House of Representatives changes its schedule over attack

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise reported through a statement in X that the legislative schedule will be changed to consider options next week that hold Iran accountable for the attack.

U.K. moves resources "to encourage de-escalation"

The U.K. government announced it is moving additional Royal Air Force aircraft and refueling tankers to the conflict region to intercept airstrikes and "encourage de-escalation."

Israel releases video on Iranian attacks

Iran threatens the United States

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard threatened the United States with a "decisive and regretful" response if it continues to engage in "harming the interests of Iran."

Saudi Arabia calls for avoiding "the dangers of war"

Jordanians killed

An Iranian suicide drone reportedly killed three Jordanians.

E.U. condemns Iranian attack

Josep Borrell Fontelles, European Union (E.U.) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement saying that it "strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack."

"This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security," he added.

Israeli military base "slightly damaged"

An Israeli military spokesman reported that a military base in southern Israel suffered "slight damage."

Argentina "emphatically" supports Israel

Argentina's president, Javier Milei, issued a statement showing solidarity with Israel and expressing emphatic support for the Jewish State.

Biden announces meeting with his national security team

Via X, Joe Biden reported that he met with his team for updates on Iran's attacks against Israel. "Our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," he added.

Air forces of several countries help intercept drones

Jordanian planes shoot down Iranian drones

Alex Salvi, Newsmax correspondent, reported that Jordanian aircraft have succeeded in shooting down "dozens of Iranian drones flying over northern and central Jordan in the direction of Israel."

France ready to defend Israel

Reports claim that France has already deployed the Navy to help defend Israel from upcoming attacks.

Israelis injured in Iranian attack

Israel's emergency service said there were no immediate reports of casualties from the Iranian attack. However, it said that there were reports of people injured while running to fortified bomb shelters. The number of people affected by the attack has not yet been detailed.

Hezbollah launches "dozens" of attacks on Golan Heights

The Iran-aligned terrorist group reported that it attacked the Israeli army's air defense and anti-missile headquarters located on the border between Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

In recent hours, the Israeli army has also been launching attacks in southeastern Lebanon.

Iran justifies its attack and says that "the matter can be concluded"

The Iranian regime invoked Article 51 of the U.N. charter through its mission to the U.N. to argue that its attack was in "legitimate defense."

"Iran's military action was in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded," Iran asserted warning that if Israel "makes another mistake," Iran will respond more severely.

U.S. intercepts Iranian drones

Alex Salvi, Newsmax correspondent, reported via his X account that U.S. forces have successfully intercepted Iranian drones heading towards Israel.

Trump criticizes Biden for not giving live speech on Israel attack

Former President Donald Trump used his social media to criticize Joe Biden for not speaking live about what is happening in Israel.

"This is no time for taped speeches," he expressed.

France condemns the attack

French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné issued a statement via X condemning the attack perpetrated by Iran against Israel.

"By deciding on an unprecedented action, Iran is taking a new step in its destabilizing actions and assuming the risk of a military escalation," he said, reaffirming his commitment to the security of the Jewish state.

Iran threatens to take action against countries that help launch attacks on its territory

The Iranian regime warned other countries not to allow their airspace or territory to be used to carry out attacks against Iran or else. Otherwise, it stated that it would respond in a "forceful" manner against that country.

Netanyahu convenes the Israeli War Cabinet

British fighter jets prepare to intercept Iranian drones

British fighter jets have joined an operation to intercept Iranian drones launched against Israel.

"Biden is responsible for this attack"

Well-known Republican strategist Roger Stone singled out Biden as responsible for Iran's attack on Israel via a post on X.

"Iran has now launched a massive attack on Israel, the direct result of Biden and Blinken unfreezing over $100 billion in assets to Iran. Biden is responsible for this attack on Israel," he said.

Lebanon closes its airspace

A Times of Israel report claims that Lebanon announced the temporary closure of its airspace following the attack against Israel.

More than 100 drones fired at Israel

Israel claimed that Iran has already launched more than a hundred drones against it, and according to an ABC News report, Iran could launch between 400 and 500 drones and missiles.

U.K. condemns attack

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a statement condemning what he called a "reckless attack" by the Iranian regime.

White House promises strong support for Israel

The White House reaffirmed its commitment to Israel's security, pledging strong support for the Jewish state and its defense, after Iran launched a drone airstrike toward the country during the afternoon.

"President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel's security is ironclad," Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the White House National Security Council, said in a statement. "The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran."

The White House assured that the president's team is in constant communication with Israeli officials and other international partners and allies.

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