Iranian rockets intercepted over Jerusalem; regional tensions escalate

Reuters, citing eyewitnesses, reports that Iranian rockets were visible in Jordanian airspace, where they were subsequently intercepted. Reuters witnesses also reported that in the Jordan Valley, in western Jordan, loud explosions were heard.

The Iranian Student News Agency published recordings showing rockets flying over Tehran. These recordings confirm increased military activity in the region.

The Tuesday attack by Iran is supposed to be retaliation for Israel's campaign against Tehran's allies, Hezbollah, in Lebanon. Reuters reports that alarms sounded throughout Israel, and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River Valley, as Israelis gathered in bomb shelters. State television reporters lay flat on the ground during live broadcasts.

Earlier, the military announced that any possible rocket attack from Iran would have a wide range and asked the population to shelter in safe rooms in case of an attack.

Iran announced retaliation after attacks that killed the highest-ranking leadership of its allies, Hezbollah, in Lebanon. The rocket launches came after Israel reported that its forces had begun airstrikes on Lebanon, though described them as limited. Israel's campaign in Lebanon is the largest escalation of the regional war since the outbreak of fighting in Gaza a year ago.

The announcement and execution of retaliation by Iran raise concerns that the war may spill over beyond borders throughout the region, despite the efforts of the United States, Israel's closest and most powerful ally, to stop it.