## Israel Responds to Iranian Drone and Missile Attack with Missile Strike
Tensions escalated in the Middle East as Israel launched a missile attack on a site in Iran, reportedly in response to a recent drone and missile attack by Iran. This attack was allegedly a retaliation against an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria.
The situation unfolded amidst fears of a wider regional conflict. On Friday morning, an explosion was also reported near the airport in the Iranian city of Isfahan.
This Israeli missile strike comes after Iran's assault last Saturday, which involved over 300 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Nearly all of these projectiles were intercepted by Israel and its allies, including the US.
Iran's strike was purportedly in response to an alleged Israeli attack in Syria, resulting in the deaths of numerous Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officers, including two generals.
News agency PTI reported that commercial flights started diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran.
The incident comes as tensions remain high in the wider Middle East after Iran's unprecedented missile-and-drone attack on Israel.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel's commitment to "do whatever is required" to protect itself. The US has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Israel's security. On Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged to increase diplomatic efforts against Iran.
Iran asked the United Nations Security Council to force Israel to cease its "military actions targeting Iranian interests".