How we got here, and what happens next.

U.S. and Israeli officials say attack will unfold over several hours; Biden pledges support for Israel.

An anti-missile system operated after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel.

Iran launched an airborne strike against Israel Saturday, sending 200 drones and missiles hurtling towards the country, according to statements from both governments.

A representative from Iran said the offensive was in retaliation for the bombing of Iran's embassy in Syria on April 1, and that Iran considered the matter "concluded." President Biden swiftly pledged U.S. support for Israel.

Israel's air defense system reportedly intercepted many of the projectiles, with help from the United States.

U.S. and Israeli officials had been predicting a strike. Biden sought to dissuade Iran Friday with a simple one-word message to Tehran's leaders: "Don't."

That warning went unheeded Saturday. Here’s a look at how we got here, and what could happen next.

What’s happening?

Israel Defense Force spokesperson Daniel Hagari said Iran had launched more than 200 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles towards Israel Saturday, according to The New York Times. Many of them were intercepted by Israel's air defense systems, with help from allies. Hagari said one girl had been injured.

The Iranian-run state news agency IRNA said Tehran had also fired ballistic missiles at Israeli targets, the Associated Press reported.

U.S. forces have helped intercept some of the Iranian drones bound for Israel, Reuters reported, citing three U.S. officials.

President Biden cut his weekend visit to Delaware short, returning to the White House on Saturday to meet with his national security team. In a statement, Biden affirmed that the U.S. "commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad."

On Friday, Biden had said he expected Iran to attack “sooner than later,” issuing the one-word warning to officials in Tehran: “Don’t.”

“We are devoted to the defense of Israel,” the president added. “We will support Israel and help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed.” The U.S. has taken steps in recent days to protect Americans in Israel and prepare U.S. troops and warships in the region to defend Israel in the event of a direct attack.

The background

Tensions have long simmered and flared between Iran and Israel. Iran has been accused of providing funding and support to militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah to help facilitate attacks on Israel.

But Saturday's attack came less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria. The attack killed seven of Iran’s military advisers, including three senior commanders.

Although the attack took place outside Iran, it may as well have been a direct hit on the country. Diplomatic compounds, including embassies and consulates, are generally considered sovereign territory of the country they represent and are afforded certain protections. However, during times of war or conflict, diplomatic compounds may become targets for attacks by opposing forces. These attacks are usually condemned by the international community, and when they do occur in conflict zones, it often leads to diplomatic tensions — and potential repercussions.

Saturday's attack came amid the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel, although Iran does not take responsibility for aiding Hamas during its attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 Israelis.

U.S. officials are concerned that a direct attack on Israel by Iran could pull the U.S., Israel’s ally, into a wider war.

What Iran has said

Iran has made it clear that it blames Israel and the U.S. for the April 1 attack, and has been threatening retaliation.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said of the April 1 attack: "The Zionist regime will be punished by the hands of our brave men. We will make it regret this crime and others it has committed.”

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Khamenei's political adviser declared the United States, as Israel's closest ally, “directly responsible” for the attack on the embassy, "whether or not it was aware of the intention to carry out this attack.”

U.S. officials have reportedly said the U.S. had no involvement or advance knowledge of the strike on the Iranian embassy.

Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a statement Saturday it considered the retaliatory attacks to be a conclusion in the matter of the April 1 embassy bombing. The statement, however, warned Israel that any future reprisals would be met by a "considerably more severe" response and that "the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!"

On Saturday, ahead of the attack, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard also seized an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz in another apparent sign of aggression by Iran.

What Israel has said

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was convening his war cabinet Saturday night.

Israel has not publicly taken responsibility for the April 1 embassy attack, though it has not denied carrying it out either.

Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant announced on Saturday that Israel has enhanced its defensive and offensive capabilities in preparation for potential attacks by Iran. Gallant emphasized Israel's commitment to protecting its citizens and labeled Iran a "terrorist state.”

On Saturday, the IDF suspended educational activities and limited gatherings in fear of retaliation from Iran.

What are U.S. officials saying?

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant following Saturday's attacks.

"Secretary Austin made clear that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against any attacks by Iran and its regional proxies," a Pentagon spokesperson said.

In a Saturday post on X, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan shared, “This morning, I spoke with my Israeli counterpart, National Security Adviser [Tzachi] Hanegbi, to discuss events in the Middle East. During the call, I reiterated the United States’ ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.”

Out of “an abundance of caution,” the United States also restricted government employees and their family members from personal travel outside of the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. is moving warships in support of Israel in case of an Iranian attack. A U.S. defense official also told CNN that the Defense Department is moving more assets to the Middle East “to bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection for US forces.”

How are other countries responding?

International reaction came swiftly, with many nations coming to Israel's defense and condemning Iran's attack.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he condemns the Iranian regime’s “reckless attack” against Israel. “These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilizing the region,” he stated. “Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.”

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock also “strongly” condemned the attack, which she said “could plunge an entire region into chaos.” She called for Iran and its proxies to “stop this immediately,” adding that “Israel offers our full solidarity at this time."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that “we are following events in the Middle East with the deepest concern,” adding that the country is in “permanent contact” with their embassies in the region, which will “remain open to support Spaniards in the area.”

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro called the unfolding events “predictable,” declaring it a “prelude to World War III,” when “humanity should rebuild its economy towards the rapid goal of decarbonization.”