According to officials from both Iran and Israel, a series of drone attacks has been initiated by Iran, as confirmed by the Associated Press. This comes as a response to the attack in Syria on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of several officers from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Notably, this direct attack from Iran on Israel deviates from their usual approach of employing proxy groups. It signifies a significant development in the destabilization of the Middle East, as it marks the first direct assault from Iran on Israel.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, as announced by the IRNA news agency, stated that they launched numerous drones and missiles towards Israeli territories and positions. It will take several hours for the drones to reach Israel, and the country has vowed to defend itself against the attack. The drone attack commenced shortly after 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The New York Times reported that current and former American officials believe that Iran may attempt to coordinate the drone attack with faster-moving missiles, which would be launched at a later time.

The intention behind using slower-moving drones, as stated by a former official, could be to divert Israeli defenses. The missile launch began shortly before 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

According to NBC, over 100 drones have been launched, as reported by the network. A U.S. defense official mentioned that Iran is expected to respond with a series of cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. The report also states that the U.S. and Israel have collaborated on a defense plan, utilizing resources such as the USS Carney. The Carney has successfully defended against attacks from Houthi rebels in the Red Sea using drones and missiles. Adrienne Watson, a representative from the National Security Council, stated that the attack will occur over several hours.

“The defense and offense systems of the Israeli Air Force are on alert, and dozens of planes are in the skies — prepared and ready,” Israel Defense Forces spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said.

“We have an excellent aerial defense array, but the defense is not hermetic,” he said.

“Iran and Israel are taking the region into uncharted waters. It is difficult to overstate how perilous this moment is, and how disastrous its consequences could prove,” Ali Vaez, Iran director of the International Crisis Group, said.