This morning, Israel targeted military sites in Iran, asserting that it was responding to Tehran’s missile assault on Israel earlier this month, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between the heavily armed adversaries.
Shortly after, the Israeli military announced it had concluded the strikes, achieving its objectives, and cautioned Iran against retaliatory actions. A semi-official Iranian news agency promised a “proportional reaction” to the Israeli actions against Tehran.
Iranian media reported a series of explosions over several hours in the capital and at nearby military installations, beginning just after 2 am local time.
Before dawn, Israel’s public broadcaster stated that three waves of strikes had been executed and that the operation was now complete.
The Middle East has been on high alert waiting for Israel’s response following a ballistic missile barrage launched by Iran on October 1, during which approximately 200 missiles were fired at Israel, resulting in one casualty in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Tockets fired from Iran were observed over Jerusalem from Hebron on October 1.
Tensions have heightened between Israel and Iran since Hamas, the Iran-supported Palestinian militant group in Gaza, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. This offensive has been backed by Hezbollah militants from Lebanon, who are also supported by Iran.
Concerns have risen that both Iran and the US could be drawn into a regional conflict due to Israel’s increasing military actions against Hezbollah since last month, which include airstrikes on Beirut and ground operations, alongside its ongoing war in Gaza.
“In response to months of continual aggressions from Iran against the State of Israel, the Israel Defence Forces are currently executing precise strikes on military targets in Iran,” stated the Israeli military in their announcement regarding the attack.
‘Obligated to respond’
Later, the military reported that it had finalized its “targeted” operations in Iran, hitting missile manufacturing facilities and surface-to-air missile arrays, confirming that all aircraft returned safely.
“Should the Iranian regime err by escalating tensions once more, we will be obligated to react,” the military added.
The targets did not encompass energy infrastructure or Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to a US official.
US President Joe Biden cautioned that Washington, Israel’s primary ally and arms supplier, would not endorse a strike on Tehran’s nuclear sites and suggested that Israel look for alternatives to targeting Iran’s oil fields.
Iranian officials have consistently warned Israel against any form of attack.
“Iran maintains the right to respond to any act of aggression, and there is no doubt that a proportional reaction will be warranted for any action Israel undertakes,” stated the semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing its sources.
A senior Biden official indicated that Israel’s “targeted and proportional strikes” should conclude the direct exchange of fire between the two nations, although the US is fully prepared to defend Israel should Iran choose to retaliate.
US informed ahead of strikes
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant contacted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin shortly after the initiation of Israel’s strikes.
Videos released by Iranian media captured air defenses firing repeatedly at incoming projectiles in central Tehran, without specifying which sites were under attack.
Tasnim reported that the bases of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that were struck sustained no damage and mentioned that Iran was resuming flights from 9 am after suspensions during the Israeli operation. Additionally, neighboring Iraq reported resuming flights, according to its state news agency.
Reports emerged that Israel conducted airstrikes targeting various military sites in central and southern Syria early this morning, as indicated by Syria’s state news agency SANA. However, Israel has not confirmed these strikes.
Israel stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and other security officials monitored the operation closely from the military command and control center in Tel Aviv.
Immediately following the commencement of Israel’s actions, Mr. Gallant spoke with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to defending its personnel, Israel, and its allies across the region, according to the Pentagon.
Israel informed the United States prior to the strike, though a US official confirmed that Washington was not involved in the operation.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in the Middle East attempting to facilitate a peace agreement, stated on Wednesday that Israel’s retaliation should not escalate further tensions.
Saudi Arabia condemned the attack on Iran, labeling it a “violation of its sovereignty” and international laws. It called for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and urged the international community to act towards de-escalation and conflict resolution in the region.
While striving to persuade Israel to moderate its strikes, the United States worked to reassure its closest Middle Eastern ally of assistance in its defense in the event of a counterattack from Tehran.
This included President Biden’s decision to deploy the US military’s THAAD anti-missile defense system to Israel, along with approximately 100 US personnel to operate it.
