"Long-Anticipated Regional War Looms as Israel and Iran Exchange Threats"

 "Israel vows retaliation for Iran’s missile barrage; Tehran warns of repeated strikes with 'multiplied intensity.'"

Israel and Iran have exchanged escalating threats, heightening fears of a regional war. Israel, backed by the U.S., has vowed to respond to Iran's massive missile attack launched on Tuesday, which Tehran claims was in retaliation for the deaths of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leaders. Iran warned that any Israeli retaliation would trigger an even "tougher" response, with its military threatening more intense missile strikes.

Amidst these tensions, Israel resumed airstrikes on Lebanon on Wednesday and deployed additional troops for the ongoing ground offensive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Iran’s actions, calling them a "big mistake." The U.S. has also warned Iran of "serious consequences," while U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for renewed pressure on Tehran.

Iran remained defiant, with its military leadership and foreign minister warning that further Israeli retaliation would be met with harsher responses. As concerns of wider conflict grow, the United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the crisis, amid calls for de-escalation.