Israel conducted airstrikes on multiple military targets in Iran early Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least two Iranian soldiers. The operation, dubbed ‘Days of Repentance‘, was described by Israel as a retaliation for a missile barrage from Iran, and has heightened fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
In a warning to Tehran, Israel stated that it would “pay a heavy price” if it retaliated against the latest strikes.
Both the United States and Britain urged Iran to avoid escalating tensions further. In response, Iranian officials asserted their “right and duty” to defend themselves, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli military bases.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, which targeted Iranian missile factories and military facilities across various regions. An IDF spokesperson stated that the “retaliatory strike has been completed,” adding that all Israeli aircraft returned safely.
Iran acknowledged that Israeli attacks had hit military sites in Tehran and surrounding provinces, reporting “limited damage” from the strikes but confirming the fatalities of two soldiers.
A 4-hour operation
- On Saturday, Israeli air strikes targeted military sites in Iran, killing two soldiers according to Iranian reports.
- The Israeli army confirmed it conducted “precise strikes on military targets in Iran”, with explosions reported in Tehran around 2.15am local time.
- Israel’s operation involved more than 100 fighter jets.
- In a series of strikes, Israel launched three waves of attacks against military targets in Iran. The first wave targeted Iran’s defense system.
- The second and third waves followed swiftly, homing in on missile and drone bases that Iranian forces have used to support regional proxies and potentially target Israel.
- Iranian state media attributed the blasts to the activation of its air defense systems in response to the Israeli attacks.
- The Israeli military stated it struck missile manufacturing facilities, surface-to-air missile arrays, and other aerial capabilities, claiming the operation was a response to a missile barrage from Iran on October 1.
- Iran acknowledged that the strikes caused “limited damage” to military bases in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces.
- Israeli officials, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the strikes did not target nuclear or oil facilities.
- The strikes led to brief airspace closures and flight suspensions in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
- Syria also reported missile attacks on its military sites but stated that some missiles were intercepted by air defenses.
- The attack was declared over by 5.45am local time, just as the sun began rising over Tehran
Why did Israel attack?
- The Israeli military cited “months of continuous attacks” from Iran as the reason for the strikes, particularly referencing attacks from Iranian proxies since October 7, 2023.
- Israel vowed retaliation for the October 1 missile attack by Iran, which involved approximately 200 ballistic missiles aimed at Israel.
- Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that Israel’s response would be “deadly, precise and surprising,” indicating a commitment to protecting its national security.
World reaction
- The United States and Britain called for de-escalation following the Israeli strikes, with U.S. officials describing them as an exercise of self-defense
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged all parties to exercise restraint amid rising tensions.
- Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s actions and warned against further conflict escalation in the region.
- Iran’s Foreign Ministry asserted its right to defend itself under international law, while Syria expressed solidarity with Iran and condemned Israeli aggression.
