Iran’s Direct Missile and Drone Attack on Israel Sparks Joint Defensive Efforts

Iran (Washington Insider Magazine)— On April 14, Israel faced an unprecedented attack from Iran, which launched around 300 drones and missiles targeting Israeli territory. This marked Iran’s first direct assault on Israel, with projectiles intercepted by Israel’s defense systems and international allies, including the United States, United Kingdom, Jordan, and France, achieving a 99% interception rate.

The coordinated defense response saw US forces intercept over 100 Iranian aerial threats, with Jordanian and UK forces also downing projectiles. The Iran-Israel conflict escalated after Iran’s retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike in Syria, which reportedly killed high-ranking members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC dubbed this retaliation “Operation True Promise.”

In addition to its own air defenses, Israel relied on the Arrow Defense System, a key component in protecting its airspace, especially over Jerusalem, where loud explosions were heard. The US is reported to have provided early intelligence on the attack through space-based infrared systems, enhancing the IDF’s readiness.

US President Joe Biden condemned the attack, affirming US support for Israel. This escalation underscores the region’s volatility, with fears that ongoing hostilities could spiral into a larger conflict across West Asia.