Iran's unprecedented drone assault on Israel heightens war fears
The Iranian Mission to the UN shared on social media that Saturday's attack on Israel "settles the matter." They also warned Tel Aviv against making "another mistake" and stressed that "the US must stay away".
"Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to 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 considered closed," the Iranian diplomatic mission to the UN reported on its X platform profile.
"However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!" - the mission added.
The Israeli attack on the Iranian post in Damascus occurred on April 1, resulting in the deaths of seven officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, including two high-ranking commanders. Israel has denied the targeted area was a diplomatic site. Iran has vowed retaliation.
First attack of its kind in history
On Saturday evening, more than 100 kamikaze drones were launched by Iran towards Israel. Just after midnight in Israel, sirens and explosion sounds were reported.
Iran, which has harboured hostility towards Israel for decades, launched a direct attack on the country from its territory for the first time. Until now, Tehran's actions were limited to financing and supporting anti-Israeli fighters in other countries, including Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
According to the Associated Press, this unprecedented attack by Iran has pushed the Middle East even closer to a regional war. The agency recalls that tensions between Iran and Israel escalated after the unexpected, brutal terrorist attack by Palestinian Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, which marked the start of Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
