Israel conducted airstrikes on military installations in Iran early Saturday, describing the operation as retaliation for a missile attack by Tehran earlier this month. The strikes mark a new peak in hostilities between two of the region’s most powerful adversaries.
Hours after the attack, the Israeli military announced it had achieved its objectives and warned Iran against further escalation. Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim responded, promising a “proportional reaction” to the strikes.
According to Iranian media, explosions were reported for several hours across Tehran and nearby military bases, beginning just after 2 a.m. local time. Israeli public broadcaster Kan later reported that three waves of strikes had been completed by dawn, declaring the operation finished.
Iran’s defense officials stated that their air defenses intercepted some of Israel’s strikes, limiting damage to several military sites in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam.
The latest exchange of fire has heightened regional anxiety over a potential spillover into a broader conflict. Earlier this month, Iran launched an estimated 200 missiles into Israel, killing one person in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Tensions have been building steadily since Oct. 7, when Hamas, the Palestinian militant group backed by Iran, carried out a surprise attack on Israel. The violence has since drawn in Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which also receives Iranian support.
Israel has recently intensified its operations against Hezbollah, targeting Beirut with airstrikes and a limited ground operation. The situation has raised concerns that both Iran and the United States, Israel’s primary ally, could be drawn into a broader regional war.
The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement Saturday that the strikes were “in response to months of continuous attacks” from Iran. According to the IDF, the operation targeted missile production facilities and surface-to-air missile installations, while avoiding energy infrastructure and nuclear sites.
“If Iran makes the mistake of escalating further, we will respond decisively,” the Israeli military said.
The U.S., which has long backed Israel militarily and diplomatically, has urged restraint. President Biden warned Israel against targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, and U.S. officials advised Israel to avoid strikes on Iran’s oil fields.
A senior Biden administration official called Israel’s response “targeted and proportional” and expressed hope that the exchange would end without further violence. However, the official added that the U.S. remains prepared to support Israel if tensions escalate further.
As of Saturday afternoon, both sides remained on high alert.
