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In a largely symbolic way, Iran has launched a comprehensive drone attack on arch rival Israel, in what it says is in retaliation for Israel’s attack two weeks ago on a consulate building at its embassy in Syria which killed sixteen people, including 2 generals, and five military advisors.

Hezbollah similarly launched rockets into Israeli military posts which caused no casualties.

Iran’s UN mission in New York has said the attack, which commenced at around 1:43am Israeli time Sunday, is now concluded and has warned the United States not to intervene.

” … 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,” Iran’s UN mission posted on X on Sunday morning. “However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US MUST STAY AWAY!.”

Iran’s foreign minister Hossien Amir Abdollahian on Saturday revealed he had told his counterparts in Germany, the UK and Australia on Friday that the failure of the United Nations Security Council to condemn the attack on Iran’s embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus, widely presumed to have been carried out by Israel, had left Iran with no choice but to take action itself.

“In reply to telephone calls from the German Foreign Minister @ABaerbock, the British Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron, and the Australian Foreign Minister @SenatorWong, I exchanged views on some bilateral issues and reiterated that when the Zionist regime tramples on the international law and Vienna Conventions and violates the immunity of diplomatic agents and premises, and the UNSC is incapable to issue a statement in condemnation of the terrorist attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, legitimate defense with the objective of punishing the aggressor becomes a necessity,”

“Iran is not seeking escalation of hostility; but the return of sustainable security to the sensitive West Asia region is tied to controlling warmongering and deranged leaders of the Zionist regime and the viable cessation of this regime’s war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank,” the Iranian FM said he told his German, British and Australian counterparts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the time of writing is meeting with his war cabinet.

“We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination,” he said before the meeting.

The IDF meantime has confirmed most of the Iranian projectiles were intercepted, many over Jordan, Syria and Iraq. The U.S., Britain and Jordan are believed to have assisted Israeli forces in limiting he attack.

“Together with our partners, we are operating at this very moment. So far, we have intercepted a vast majority of missiles, attack drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles outside of Israel’s border,” IDF Chief Spokesman Daniel Hagari said around 3:00am Israeli time Sunday Morning. He said Iran had launched a large-scale massive swarm of over 200 killer drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles towards Israel.

A child who sustained serious head injuries is the only reported casualty at the time of writing.

U.S. Joe President Biden who met with his national security team and Vice President Kamala Harris said after the meeting in a post on X: “I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad.”

The first condemnation came around 45 minutes after the attack’s launch. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles said in a statement: “The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel.”

“This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security.”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement issued soon after: “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.”

“I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”

“I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war,” the UN chief said.

Condemnations quickly followed from Germany, Britain, France, Norway, Denmark, Mexico, Czechia, and the Netherlands.

“We condemn the ongoing attack in the strongest possible terms, risking to plunge an entire region into chaos,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock posted on X.

“Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately. In these hours, we stand firmly by Israel.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regimes reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.”

“The UK will continue to stand up for Israels security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed,” Sunak added.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne issued a statement saying: “By deciding on such an unprecedented action, Iran is taking a new step in its destabilising actions and taking the risk of a military escalation.”