On Saturday, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran. Explosions rock Tehran as Israel strikes back against Iran. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said these actions were in retaliation for “months of continuous attacks” from Iran. They targeted military sites in Tehran and surrounding areas.
Iran’s Response
Iran reported that its defense systems intercepted the strikes. They claimed limited damage occurred at some locations. An Iranian source stated the country is ready to retaliate against Israeli aggression. An Israeli public broadcaster noted the operation concluded after three rounds of strikes.
Explosions in Tehran
Residents in Tehran and nearby Karaj reported hearing at least seven explosions. The sources of these blasts remain unclear. Iranian state TV confirmed the explosions were audible in both cities.
Military Action Details
The Israeli public broadcaster stated that dozens of fighter jets struck military targets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant were at military headquarters in Tel Aviv during the strikes. Notably, the attacks did not target energy infrastructure or nuclear facilities. Israeli forces hit several military bases in western and southwestern Tehran.
Regional Flight Suspensions
In response to the airstrikes, Iran canceled all flights until further notice. Israel also closed its airspace to civil aviation. Iraq’s transport ministry announced a suspension of flights at all airports due to rising tensions.
US Notification and Briefing
Israel informed the United States before the strikes but did not involve them in the operation. A top White House official called it an “exercise of self-defense.” President Biden has been briefed and is closely monitoring the situation.
Escalation Following Missile Attacks
This attack comes weeks after Iran fired about 180 ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv and Israeli airbases on October 1. The timing coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s return to the US after urging Israel to avoid escalating tensions and targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
Attacks in Iraq and Syria
In addition to the strikes on Iran, the Israeli army attacked multiple locations in Iraq and Syria. Residents reported loud explosions in cities like Tikrit and Baiji. Israeli forces also struck several military sites in southern and central Syria early Saturday morning.
