As Iran attacks Israel, four key questions on what is happening, why it matters

2. What kind of damage has Iran’s attack on Israel caused?

No significant damage had been reported during the first few hours of the crisis. Israeli air defences, supported by American, British, and Jordanian forces, intercepted the “vast majority” of the missiles and drones above Jordan, Iraq, and Syria, before they could reach Israel, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said.

There is considerable geographical distance between Iran and Israel, which a missile could take between 15 minutes to about 2 hours to traverse, depending on its speed.

The attacks that began on Saturday (April 13) night were launched, besides Iran, from Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, the United States Department of Defence said. Iran maintains a military presence in several conflict-ridden countries in this region, and militias backed, funded, and armed by Iran control territory in these countries.

3. Why is Iran’s attack significant?

Although Iran and Israel have a long history of bitter conflict and covert military actions against each other, this is the first time Iran has launched a direct attack of this scale aimed at targets within Israel.

Although Iran has said that following its attacks on Saturday night, “the matter [of the Israeli attack on Iranian premises in Damascus] can be deemed concluded”, the Israeli response remains to be seen.

Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli…

— Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 13, 2024

4. What has the United States said?

President Joe Biden has condemned the attacks by Iran and reaffirmed the United States’ “ironclad commitment” to the security of Israel. Biden said he would convene a meeting of the G7 to “coordinate a united diplomatic response” to Iran’s attack.

I condemn Iran’s attacks in the strongest possible terms and reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.

My full statement on Iran’s attacks against Israel: pic.twitter.com/EuPJZoGw6w

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 14, 2024

The escalation increases Biden’s problems in the Middle East as his re-election battle at home picks up pace. With the war in Gaza continuing, the US has its task cut out.