• Source:Reuters
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Israel-Iran Tensions: In a major escalation of conflict in the Middle East, Iran launched a swarm of explosive drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday, marking its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory which further heightened tensions between the two countries. Iran’s retribution came following the April 1 attack on Iran's embassy building in Syria’s Damascus, which reportedly killed seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including two high-ranking generals. However, Israel neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the consulate attack in Syria.

Israel's military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said Iran launched dozens of ground-to-ground missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted outside of the Israeli border. They included more than ten cruise missiles. An unnamed Israeli official told Israel's Channel 12 TV that there would be a ‘significant response’ to the attack. 

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Israel-Iran Tensions: Here Are The Top Developments 

- Following Iran’s retaliatory wave of strikes against Israel late on Saturday, US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone on Saturday night, the White House said. The United States (US) has also pledged ‘ironclad’ backing for Israel. 

- The Iranian Mission to the United Nations (UN) said, “Should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe.” It also warned the US to stay away.

- The European Union, Britain, Czechia, France, Mexico, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands all condemned Iran's attack on Israel. 

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- In the wake of looming tensions in the Middle East, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has announced that the council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday in response to Iran's unprecedented drone and missile strike on Israel.

- The spokesperson for Malta, which is holding the rotating presidency this month, told the press on Saturday evening that the Security Council was planning to meet at 4:00 p.m. (2000 GMT) the next day at Israel’s request.

- According to media reports, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned Iran's airborne attack on Saturday against Israel and urged a cessation of hostilities. 

- "I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities," the UN Chief said in a statement

- In the wake of rising tensions in the Middle East, the US and several other countries, including India, Britain and France, issued new travel guidelines for government employees in Israel as Iran vows for retribution.