### Iran Fires Over 100 Ballistic Missiles at Israel, Escalating Tensions

In a significant escalation of the long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran, more than 100 ballistic missiles were launched by Iran towards Israel on Tuesday evening. This aggressive move has the potential to plunge the region into deeper chaos and possibly lead to a full-scale war.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps claimed the missile attack was in direct retaliation for the assassinations of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas's political head Ismail Haniyeh, and an Iranian commander. The statement from the Guards Corps warned of further missile attacks if Iran faced additional assaults.

Following the launch, air raid sirens resounded across Israeli cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The sky lit up with the flashes from Israel's air defense intercepting rockets. According to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, a few missiles landed in central and southern Israel, yet the majority were intercepted. At this moment, there are no reports of casualties.

The missile barrage came just a day after Israeli forces initiated a rare ground invasion of southern Lebanon targeting the Hezbollah militia, which is supported by Iran. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are backed by Iran and currently engaged in combat with Israeli forces.

A senior U.S. official from the White House emphasized that the United States is prepared to assist in Israel's defense, issuing a stern warning to Iran about severe consequences should there be a direct attack on Israel. The U.S. Embassy in Israel has instructed its employees to return home and prepare to enter bomb shelters, marking the first such directive in months.

The recent attack by Iran is reminiscent of an incident in April, when Israel, with assistance from the United States, Jordan, and other allies, successfully intercepted nearly all of the hundreds of missiles and drones fired at it. During that clash, Israel's response was relatively restrained, focusing on an airbase near Iran’s nuclear facilities without directly targeting the installations.

In light of the current escalation, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III of the United States held a phone call with Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Austin emphasized that the U.S. is in a strong position to defend its personnel and allies against threats from Iran and its affiliated terrorist organizations.

Meanwhile, reports of celebratory gunfire were heard in Beirut following news of Iran's attack. The Israeli military has been carrying out significant airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in and around the Lebanese capital, including on Tuesday.

Witnesses in Amman, Jordan, reported loud explosions, a country that had previously aided in intercepting a missile launch against Israel. Preliminary assessments by the Israeli military suggest around 200 missiles were fired by Iran. Spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that this attack would have "consequences," indicating plans for action at a time and place of Israel's choosing.

Israel has also instructed residents of many southern towns to move north, amidst indications of ongoing military operations in Lebanon.