Israel Strikes Back: Overnight Air Raids Target Iranian Military Sites
Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting military facilities in Iran overnight, marking a swift response to Tehran’s earlier missile assault on Israeli territory. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strikes focused on Iranian air defense batteries and missile production sites, asserting that the operation would enhance Israel’s “freedom of aerial action” in the future.
According to Iranian state media, two soldiers were killed in the Israeli strikes, though other sources reported no major damage. Israel’s response follows Iran’s October 1 missile barrage, which saw nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched toward Israel in retaliation for the July killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. While most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel and its allies, a few struck central and southern Israel.
The United States and the United Kingdom have urged Iran not to retaliate, with U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration advocating for an end to the cycle of violence. Senior U.S. officials confirmed that Washington was briefed on the Israeli strikes in advance but had no direct involvement. U.S. guidance had urged Israel to execute a “targeted and proportional” response with minimal civilian risk, which officials stated was achieved in Saturday’s operation.
The IDF announced the airstrikes shortly after explosions were reported in Iran. IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari highlighted Israel’s readiness to “defend the state,” while Iranian officials reported limited damage in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces, where the strikes occurred.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced support for Israel’s right to self-defense against “Iranian aggression,” urging Iran to refrain from retaliation and expressing the UK’s commitment to de-escalating tensions in the region.
Iran’s aviation authority briefly suspended flights, resuming normal operations at 9:00 a.m. local time. Despite reports of limited damage, state media broadcast footage of normal activity in various cities, with schools and sports events proceeding as planned.
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