The situation in West Asia continues to deteriorate with the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials on 1 April 2024 and the subsequent retaliatory Iranian attack on Israel on 13 April with more than 300 drones and missiles fired towards Israel. This is the first direct Iranian attack on Israel and the biggest escalation in the region since the beginning of the Israel–Hamas War in October 2023. Iran has also seized an Israel-linked ship in the Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz on 13 April.
Israel has been successful in intercepting most of the drones and missiles before they entered its airspace. Israeli interceptions shows its military defensive capability and preparedness in the face of Iranian attack. While the 7 October Hamas attack exposed Israeli complacency and raised doubts about its claims of technological superiority and its application in national security, the successful interception of Iranian missiles and drones has effectively restored Israel's image as a superior military power. The US, UK and Jordan also intercepted several drones and missiles.
In a statement before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 13 April, Iran stated that it has evoked Article 51 of the UN Charter for self-defence against the defiance of Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter by Israel on account of its military aggression against its diplomatic premises in Syria.1 Named as ‘Operation Truthful Promise’, the Iranian attack on Israel has also sent a larger message to the US, UK and other countries........