Israel has launched a series of direct airstrikes against Iran’s capital, Tehran, early Saturday, in what it said was a “retaliation” for the Iranian ballistic missile attack against Israel earlier this month, raising fears of a wider regional war that could drag the US.
Striking Tehran
The Israeli military said its response had ended, after hitting missile manufacturing sites, surface-to-air missile sites and “additional Iranian aerial capabilities” in Iran, while Israel’s broadcaster said the military had completed three waves of strikes, reported the Associated Press (AP).
Israel’s military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, warned in a prerecorded video statement early Saturday of any Iranian response. “If the regime in Iran were to make the mistake of beginning a new round of escalation, we will be obligated to respond.”
Downplaying the Impact
Meanwhile, Iran’s military said the Israeli strikes targeted military bases in Ilam, Khuzestan and Tehran provinces, but downplayed the impact of the strikes, insisting it caused “limited damage” without providing details.
According to the Guardian, media reported at least seven explosions over Tehran, Karaj and Mashhad early on Saturday. The Iranian state TV reported hearing several strong explosions around the capital, while the state news agency, IRNA, said there had been no casualties. Iran activated air defense systems around the country.
Long-running Confrontation
The Israeli strikes came as a response to a missile attack on October 1, when Iran sent around 200 ballistic missiles towards Tel Aviv in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader’s Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas leader’s Ismail Haniyeh, and several Iranian military commanders.
The two countries had also exchanged attacks in April, when Iran fired a barrage of missiles and drones against Israel after the killing of two Iranian senior commanders in an apparent Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus. Back then, Israel responded with a limited strike without openly claiming responsibility.
Commenting on the strikes, a senior White House official said that the Israeli operation was “extensive, targeted, and precise.” He added that this should end the direct military exchange between Israel and Iran.
