Tensions Escalate: Iran's Missile Strike on Israel

Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched multiple missiles towards Israel, warning of a harsher response if Israel retaliates. This attack follows the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and escalating conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the strike and Iran is prepared for further conflict.

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards announced Tuesday that they had launched a barrage of missiles towards Israel, escalating tensions in the volatile region. State television warned that any retaliation from Israel would be met with an even more 'crushing and destructive' response.

The missile offensive comes after a period of Iranian restraint and follows the deaths of key figures within allied militant groups, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Their deaths, attributed to recent Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and Gaza, have intensified the conflict.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the missile attack was ordered by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has since taken refuge in a secure location. Tehran remains 'fully prepared' for any Israeli counterattack, the official added.

(With inputs from agencies.)