Before dawn, Israel’s public broadcaster reported that Israel had carried out and completed three waves of strikes on Iranian targets, ending the operation. Iran stated that its air defense systems had responded to the strikes in the Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces, causing “limited damage” to certain areas.
The region has been tense following an Iranian missile barrage on October 1, in which about 200 missiles were launched at Israel, resulting in the death of one individual in the West Bank.
Growing concerns of a broader conflict involving Iran and the United States have escalated with Israel’s ongoing attacks on Hezbollah since last month. These have included airstrikes on Beirut and ground operations, along with Israel’s year-old conflict in the Gaza Strip.
“In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel – right now the Israel Defense Forces is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran,” Israel’s military announced in a statement.
Later, the military confirmed it had completed “targeted” attacks on military sites within Iran, with all planes safely returning to base. It emphasized Israel’s right and responsibility to counter Tehran and its allies, citing prior missile strikes from Iranian territory.
The U.S. clarified that Israel’s targets excluded energy facilities and nuclear sites, with a U.S. official adding that President Joe Biden, Israel’s primary supporter and arms supplier, has discouraged strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and urged Israel to consider alternatives to targeting Iranian oil infrastructure.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly cautioned Israel against aggression. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, “Iran reserves the right to respond to any aggression, and there is no doubt that Israel will face a proportional reaction for any action it takes.”
Iran Downplays Strikes
According to Iranian state television, a military representative reported that the explosions heard in Tehran were due to air defenses engaging Israel’s attempts to hit three locations outside the city.
Videos shared by Iranian outlets displayed air defense systems firing at what appeared to be incoming missiles over Tehran, although the sites targeted were not specified. The Fars news agency reported that several military installations west and southwest of Tehran were targeted, while Tasnim stated that bases belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sustained no damage.
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization temporarily grounded all flights, as reported by state news agency IRNA, with Iraq following suit by suspending flights across its airports until further notice.
Additionally, Israel targeted military sites in central and southern Syria on Saturday morning, according to Syria’s state news agency, SANA. Israel has not confirmed these strikes in Syria.
