Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets have reportedly resulted in the deaths of four Iranian soldiers, according to the Iranian army. These strikes, which took place early on Saturday, were seen as a reprisal for an earlier missile barrage launched by Iran against Israel earlier this month. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated that the strikes targeted missile factories and other strategic sites around Tehran and western Iran.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated its commitment to self-defense while emphasizing its role in maintaining regional peace and security, a remark interpreted as relatively diplomatic. The Israeli offensive was anticipated after Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel on October 1 in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian territory in July. While many of these missiles were intercepted by Israel and its allies, some managed to hit central and southern parts of Israel.
Iranian officials reported that airstrikes occurred in several provinces, including Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam. The military claimed to have effectively countered the attacks but acknowledged there was “limited damage” in certain areas. Following the strikes, state media in Iran broadcasted images of everyday life continuing normally in various cities, indicating that schools and sports events were proceeding as planned.
The IDF confirmed the operation shortly after explosions were reported. IDF spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari affirmed the military’s readiness to protect Israel and issued a warning that any new Iranian escalation would compel a response from Israel.
In light of these developments, both the US and UK governments urged Iran to refrain from retaliatory actions. Senior officials in the Biden administration noted that while they were informed of the Israeli strikes in advance, the US had no direct involvement, and they appreciated that the targets excluded Iranian oil and nuclear facilities. This was in line with the US’s advice to Israel to conduct a measured and precise response to minimize civilian casualties. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself against “Iranian aggression” while reinforcing calls for Iran to avoid an escalation.
Conversely, Russia and other regional states, including US allies Jordan and Saudi Arabia, criticized Israel for heightening tensions. Qatar voiced serious concerns about the potential consequences of these escalations, and Jordan labeled the Israeli actions as “dangerous.” Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called for a cessation of provocations towards Iran to prevent further escalation.
Details regarding the full scope of the Israeli strikes and their specific locations remain unclear. While Iran’s aviation authority temporarily suspended flights, they resumed operations at 09:00 local time. Accounts from locals described the sound of blasts as terrifying. Additionally, Israeli airstrikes targeted positions in central and southern Syria, and Hezbollah retaliated by firing about 80 projectiles into Israel, striking multiple residential areas in northern Israel, including neighborhoods near Haifa.