Israel Vows Retaliation for Any Iran Fire Across Border

Israel is closely monitoring the escalating tensions and the launch of 20 missiles from Iran targeting American bases in neighboring Jordan, with its defense establishment vowing a response to any projectile that crosses into Israeli territory, according to Channel 12 News. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed it attacked a U.S. base in Jordan as retaliation for the U.S. Central Command's destruction of five Iranian oil tankers. The U.S. tankers were destroyed after ballistic missiles were fired at an American warship. A U.S. official confirmed all personnel in Jordan were accounted for and unharmed.

Amidst this confrontation, a U.S. naval blockade is severely impacting Iran's economy, threatening to deplete its remaining oil reserves by mid-October. Iran has been unable to export any oil since mid-July, cutting off its primary source of foreign currency which funds about a third of its state budget and its security apparatus, exacerbating inflation and pressure on the Iranian Rial.

The Israeli military is maintaining a high state of alert for both defense and offense, in full coordination with the United States, in anticipation of potential joint operations. Yesterday's Iranian missile launches toward Jordan, aimed at U.S. bases, were clearly visible in the skies over Eilat, the Arava region, and further north, constituting a significant barrage of dozens of missiles. Iranian-aligned media also reported further Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, and air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain due to launches from Iran.

According to the Jordanian army, there were no casualties from the missile barrage, and 18 of the 20 launched missiles were intercepted. U.S. Central Command released footage of the destruction of the Iranian oil tankers, stating the action was taken after the Revolutionary Guard Corps twice fired ballistic missiles at an American warship over the preceding two days. The warship successfully evaded the attacks and continued its patrol, with no American crew members harmed.