Israel targeted military sites in Iran early Saturday, responding to recent strikes from Tehran, marking an escalation in tensions between the two adversaries. The Israeli military stated that its operations were completed and objectives achieved, while a semi-official Iranian news agency warned of a “proportional reaction” to Israeli actions.
Explosions were reported in Tehran and surrounding military bases, beginning shortly after 2 a.m. Iran claimed its air defense systems successfully intercepted some of the attacks, resulting in “limited damage” to specific sites.
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The recent escalation follows a ballistic missile attack from Iran on October 1, which killed one person in the West Bank, and increased tensions since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
In response to ongoing Iranian attacks, the Israeli military asserted it was targeting missile manufacturing facilities and equipment, stating that if Iran escalated further, it would be obliged to respond.
The strikes did not target Iran’s energy infrastructure or nuclear sites, according to a U.S. official, and while the U.S. was informed ahead of the strikes, it did not participate in the operation.
Iranian authorities emphasized their right to respond to aggression, warning that Israel would face consequences for its actions. In light of the tensions, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while seeking peace in the region, cautioned that Israeli retaliation should not lead to further escalation.
The U.S. has also reinforced its military presence in the region to support Israel in the event of an Iranian counter-attack.
