This heading translates to English as: "Expansion of the Middle East Conflicts: Iran and Israel on a Collision Course

Iran launched a rocket attack on Israel early Wednesday morning, which Tehran considers complete unless Israel continues to provoke. The United States and Israel subsequently pledged retaliatory measures against Tehran as fears of a broader war increased. Washington assured that it would work with its long-standing ally Israel to ensure that Iran bears severe consequences for Tuesday's attack. According to Israeli reports, the attack involved more than 180 ballistic missiles. The United Nations Security Council convened a special session on the Middle East on Wednesday, while the European Union called for an immediate ceasefire. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on X on Wednesday that "our action is complete unless the Israeli regime invites further retaliatory actions. In that case, our response will be stronger and more powerful." Meanwhile, Israel renewed its bombardments in southern Beirut, a stronghold of the Iranian-backed armed Hezbollah, early Wednesday, conducting at least a dozen airstrikes. As a result of the ongoing strikes, new evacuation orders were issued for the already largely evacuated area. The Iranian attack marked the largest military strike against Israel to date. Sirens blared across the country, and explosions rocked Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley as the entire population was sent to bomb shelters. While no injuries were reported in Israel, a man in the occupied West Bank was killed. The Iranian state agency claimed the attack was defensive and targeted only Israeli military facilities. According to Iranian sources, three Israeli military bases were targeted. Iran justified the attacks as a response to the killing of militant leaders by Israel and the aggressions against Hezbollah in Lebanon as well as actions in the Gaza Strip. Israeli air defense forces intercepted the majority of the attacks. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a video that "Iran's attack represents a severe and dangerous escalation." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation: "Iran made a big mistake tonight—and will pay for it." The Iranian military warned that any Israeli response would lead to "massive destruction" in Israel and that regional allies of Israel would also be targeted if they participated. Concerns about a possible expansion of the conflict to the U.S. were heightened by increasing Israeli attacks in Lebanon and the year-long confrontations in the Gaza Strip. Iran used hypersonic Fattah missiles for the first time on Tuesday, and 90% of the missiles successfully hit their targets in Israel, according to the Revolutionary Guard. In a military video message, Israel showed a heavily damaged school building in Gadera as a result of an Iranian attack. Additionally, U.S. warships intercepted Iranian missiles with several interceptors. British forces also contributed to de-escalation. U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the full support of the U.S. for Israel, calling Iran's attack "ineffective." Vice President Kamala Harris supported Biden's stance and announced decisive measures against Iran. The United Nations also called for an immediate ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned Iran's attacks and expressed support for Israel's security. EU Foreign Affairs Representative Josep Borrell also called for an immediate ceasefire. Nearly 1900 people have died in Lebanon due to almost a year of fighting, most of them in the last two weeks, according to the Lebanese government.