Tehran (TDI): In a significant escalation, Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian targets early Saturday, asserting that it was in response to sustained “continuous attacks” from Iran and its proxies.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the “precise strikes” targeted military sites in Iran, which it accuses of being involved in hostilities against Israel since early October.
Reports from Iranian state media confirmed several explosions near the capital, Tehran, with focus on military facilities in the western and southwestern regions.
These strikes follow Tehran’s October 1 ballistic missile attack against Israel, which Iran stated was retaliation for the July assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil, an incident Tehran has attributed to Israeli operatives.
In a formal statement, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari emphasized Israel’s stance on defending its national security, asserting it has both “the right and duty” to counter what it perceives as direct threats.
The spokesperson added that Israel’s defensive and offensive measures were fully mobilised in light of recent provocations.
US Supports Israeli Attack
The United States expressed support, characterizing Israel’s operation as an act of self-defense.
A representative of the National Security Council said that Israel is conducting targeted strikes as an exercise of self-defense following Iran’s missile attack.”
The White House reported that President Joe Biden is being briefed on the developments, though U.S. officials confirmed there was no American involvement in Israel’s Saturday strikes.
Also Read: Iran Warns of ‘Decisive’ Response If Israel Strikes
Iran’s 1 October missile offensive saw most rockets intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, though a small number reached central and southern regions of Israel.
Tehran officials maintain the strikes were in response to an attack on Hezbollah’s top figure, Hassan Nasrallah, and IRGC Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan in Beirut, who were both reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike earlier this year.
Also Read: Iran Leader Khamenei Defends Missile Strike on Israel
In the wake of Saturday’s strikes, Iranian aviation authorities temporarily suspended all flights in and out of the country, as the nation contends with growing regional hostilities.
Amid this escalating tension, Syrian state media also reported Israeli air raids targeting military positions in central and southern Syria, as the security situation in the Middle East remains volatile.
