Missile Launch from Iran Sparks Fears of Regional War

By CNN Staff

CNN – Iran has launched missiles towards Israel, according to a statement from Israel’s military, following warnings earlier from the White House of an impending ballistic missile attack.

In a statement released Tuesday morning, the White House indicated that U.S. intelligence suggested Iran was preparing to strike Israel imminently. “We have evidence that Iran is gearing up to launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel,” the statement read, adding that the U.S. is actively working to support Israel’s defensive efforts.

A senior U.S. official warned that any direct military action by Iran would result in severe repercussions. “An Iranian attack on Israel will trigger significant consequences for Iran,” the official said.

Israel has assessed that Iran may target three key air bases as well as an intelligence facility near Tel Aviv. According to an informed source, the intelligence base at Glilot was evacuated by Tuesday afternoon, and contingency plans for the safety of personnel at other military installations have been set in motion.

The U.S. warned Israeli officials that the attack could occur within 12 hours, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts behind the scenes. Tensions have been mounting for months between Israel and Iranian-backed groups, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. The anticipated missile strike could escalate these hostilities into a broader conflict.

Diplomats from both the U.S. and the Arab world are concerned about how Israel may respond, especially if it chooses to retaliate with a strike inside Iran. “There is no place in Iran beyond Israel’s reach, and that extends across the entire Middle East,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared during his recent United Nations address.

U.S. officials have stated that they are prepared to assist Israel in intercepting any missiles, similar to their actions in April when Iran launched a wave of drones and missiles at Israel, most of which were successfully intercepted.

The upcoming attack is expected to resemble the April incident, according to U.S. officials, who noted that many of Iran’s assets remain ready from that earlier confrontation. Iran has positioned itself to move swiftly, leading the U.S. to issue an early warning to Israel several hours before publicly announcing the threat.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated sharply in recent weeks, with Israel ramping up its operations against Hezbollah. Just a day before, Israel launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon, further inflaming the situation.

Netanyahu, addressing the nation, urged Israeli citizens to “stand together” and follow military directives closely as the threat of an imminent Iranian attack looms. He characterized the situation as part of Israel’s ongoing “campaign against Iran’s axis of evil.”

In Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel’s defense, stating, “We are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East.” While he did not specifically mention Iran, the urgency of his remarks left little doubt about the gravity of the situation.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Israel has directed all government personnel and their families to shelter in place until further notice due to the heightened security threat.

This developing story is being updated as new information becomes available.