What we know
- Iran launched more than 300 cruise and ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, IDF officials said, a retaliatory attack weeks after an Israeli strike on the Iranian consular building in Syria killed two of Tehran’s top commanders.
- There were explosions visible in the air over Jerusalem as air sirens rang throughout the country.
- The U.S. and Israeli militaries shot down the “vast majority” of the missiles and dozens of attack drones. Some missiles struck a military base in the south, causing minor damage.
- A 10-year-old girl was severely injured by shrapnel, and about 31 people were treated for anxiety or injuries they sustained while heading to a protected area when sirens sounded.
- Iran said that after tonight's attack, the "matter can be deemed concluded" unless there is more violence.
This event has ended. Get the latest updates on Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel here
Attack a 'grave threat to regional security,' E.U. foreign affairs chief says
Josep Borrell Fontelles, the U.N.'s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said in a post on X that it strongly condemns the Iranian attack against Israel.
Israel reopens its airspace
The airspace over Israel was reopened at 7:30 a.m. local time Sunday, a spokesperson for Israel's airport authority said in a statement.
Flights out of Tel Aviv were likely to change, and travelers should check with airlines and on the airport authority's website for updates to flight schedules.
Domestic airports would remain open throughout the day, the statement said.
Iran launched over 300 projectiles, Israeli military says
Israel intercepted 99% of the more than 300 projectiles launched by Iran, and is ready for “any further developments and scenarios,” Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said.
Among the projectiles were some 30 cruise missiles, none of which made it into Israel, Hagari said. Only a “few” of the more than 120 ballistic missiles launched entered Israel, with the rest being intercepted, he added.
Some of the ballistic missiles hit the Nevatim airbase, but they caused only minor infrastructure damage, and the base remained operational, Hagari said.
Iraq and Yemen also carried out launches against Israel, but none made it into the country, the IDF spokesman said. He added that “dozens” of rockets were launched from Lebanon toward the north of Israel, though Israel suffered no injuries or deaths and hit back by striking different targets in Lebanon.
A 10-year-old girl was severely injured by shrapnel, but there were no immediate reports of other Israeli injuries or deaths, Hagari said.
“Iran did something very serious, very severe this night, as it pushed the Middle East toward escalation. We will do whatever is necessary in order to defend the citizens of the state of Israel,” he said.
Netanyahu issues first public statement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued his first public comments since Iran's overnight attack, saying in a post on X, "We intercepted, we stopped. Together we will win."
U.S. destroyed 'dozens' of missiles and drones launched by Iran
The U.S. military shot down "dozens" of missiles and drones en route to Israel, part of an "unprecedented" attack by Iran, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement late Saturday.
The aerial attacks by Iran were launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, he said.
"We condemn these reckless and unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies, and we call on Iran to immediately halt any further attacks, including from its proxy forces, and to deescalate tensions," Austin said in the statement. "We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel."
Biden says he will coordinate a 'united diplomatic response' to Iran with G7 leaders
President Joe Biden said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tonight, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the security of Israel.
Military forces followed Biden's direction to help Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles, the president said. He also praised the country's ability to fend off attacks as a sign to others who threaten the security of Israel.
"Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack," Biden said. "My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders."
Though no U.S. forces have been attacked, Biden said America will "remain vigilant to all threats." He condemned the Iranian regime's attack tonight in the "strongest possible terms."
U.N. Secretary General condemns Iranian attacks
António Guterres, United Nations secretary-general, condemned the Iranian attacks on Israel tonight in a statement expressing concern over the serious escalation in the Middle East.
"I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation," Guterres said. "I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East."
Guterres also condemned the April 1 attack on Iran's diplomatic premises in Damascus the day after it occurred.
He did not name Israel in that statement, which has not taken responsibility for the strike. Guterres emphasized the protection of diplomatic buildings and urged "all parties to respect all their obligations under international law."
U.N. Security Council to meet tomorrow
The United Nations Security Council will meet Sunday following a request to hold an emergency meeting from Israel’s ambassador to the U.N.
The ambassador, Gilad Erdan, asked the council to condemn Iran's attack on his country and to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terror organization.
"The Iranian attack is a serious threat to global peace and security and I expect the Council to use every means to take concrete action against Iran," Erdan said in a post on X, which included the letter.
The meeting will take place at 4 p.m. ET, according to a U.N. schedule released tonight.
Iranian regime exercised 'its inherent right of self-defense' following diplomatic strike, foreign ministry says
The Iranian foreign ministry released a statement tonight reiterating its position that the strikes carried out against Israel were "in exercise of its inherent right of self-defense."
“The Islamic Republic of Iran would not hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests against any act of military aggression or unlawful use of force,” the statement said.
The ministry cited Article 51 of the United Nations charter and said that it was responded to Israeli's "recurring military aggressions," including the strike of Iran's diplomatic building in Syria earlier this mont.
The statement went on to say that its response was a "responsible approach" amid Israel's "apartheid" against Palestinians and "military aggressions" against neighboring states.
Netanyahu and Biden speaking
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently talking with President Joe Biden, according to a spokesperson for Netanyahu.
Their conversation follows discussions by the political-security cabinet and the war management cabinet, the spokesperson said.
Netanyahu's office did not disclose what the leaders discussed.