Israel conducted airstrikes on military sites in Iran early Saturday, saying the move was in retaliation for Tehran’s recent missile attack on Israel. Hours later, the Israeli military announced it had successfully completed the strikes and warned Iran against any form of response.
Iranian media reported multiple explosions in Tehran and nearby military bases, starting just after 2 a.m. local time. Iranian sources vowed a “proportional reaction” to the Israeli attacks, while Iranian authorities stated that their air defence systems countered the strikes, limiting damage to select military sites in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces.
The Middle East has been on edge following Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1, when about 200 missiles were fired at Israel, killing one person in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Since Hamas, the Palestinian group based in Gaza, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated significantly. This escalation has involved Hezbollah, an Iran-supported group in Lebanon, backing Hamas, thereby increasing fears of a regional conflict involving both Iran and the United States.
According to Israel’s public broadcaster, three waves of airstrikes were launched on various Iranian military targets, and the operation concluded before dawn. Iran’s state media said that its air defences had responded effectively to protect critical areas, leading to what they described as “limited damage.” The Israeli military explained that the airstrikes targeted specific truck missile manufacturing facilities and surface-to-air missile sites. Notably, these attacks did not target Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, a decision reportedly influenced by U.S. opposition to such an escalation.
U.S. President Joe Biden, Israel’s primary supporter, had recently advised Israel against attacking Iran’s nuclear or energy infrastructure and suggested exploring alternative strategies. Shortly after the strikes began, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant contacted U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who emphasized the readiness of the United States to defend both U.S. personnel and its allies in the region if needed. Additionally, Biden ordered the deployment of THAAD anti-missile defenses and about 100 U.S. soldiers to Israel.
On Friday, Pakistan’s foreign ministry condemned the strikes, describing them as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law. The statement argued that such actions undermine regional peace and called for the United Nations Security Council to take immediate steps to address “Israeli recklessness in the region and its criminal behavior.” Saudi Arabia also criticized the strikes as an infringement on Iranian sovereignty, urging all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation in an already tense region.
Iranian authorities have been clear in their warnings, with the semi-official Tasnim news agency citing sources who reiterated Iran’s right to respond proportionally to any aggression. Iran has expressed that it holds Israel responsible for destabilizing the region and that any further Israeli actions will meet with a suitable response.
Israel has yet to confirm recent airstrikes in neighboring Syria reported by Syria’s state news agency, SANA, as occurring in the central and southern parts of the country. Nevertheless, Israel’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, monitored the operation closely from a command center in Tel Aviv.
As Israel continues to emphasize its right to defend against ongoing threats, the United States has reiterated its stance on the conflict. Senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have stressed that Israel should avoid actions that could escalate the situation further. Blinken, currently in the Middle East attempting to mediate peace, highlighted the importance of regional stability while reaffirming U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
Iran resumed flights by 9 a.m. local time after suspending them during the strikes. Neighboring Iraq also resumed flights following the suspension. Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that despite Israel’s attacks, no significant damage was sustained at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps bases targeted, indicating limited impact on Iran’s military capabilities.
Saudi Arabia’s state media reiterated the Kingdom’s rejection of the ongoing escalation and urged the global community to work toward de-escalation and peace across the Middle East. The situation remains tense as regional actors and global powers closely monitor further developments in the conflict.
