Iran launched a major retaliatory attack against Israel on the night of April 13-14, 2024, firing hundreds of drones and missiles. The attack was in response to an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, which killed several members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two senior commanders.
The Israeli military reported that the vast majority of the incoming projectiles, including drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, were intercepted by Israel's air defense systems with assistance from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Jordan. Minor damage was caused to an Israeli airbase and a young girl was seriously injured by shrapnel.
The unprecedented direct attack from Iranian territory marked a significant escalation in the long-running shadow war between the two nations. World leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, condemned the Iranian assault and reaffirmed their support for Israel's security while urging restraint to prevent a wider war.
As of March 2026, the incident remains a critical flashpoint. Israel's war cabinet considered a counter-strike but was reportedly dissuaded by international pressure. The attack has intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
