TEHRAN — Iran confirmed the deaths of two military personnel following Israeli airstrikes early Saturday, according to state media, as tensions escalated between the two nations.
Footage circulating on social media showed Tehran’s air defense systems activated, illuminating the early-morning sky. The Israeli government stated that its strikes were in retaliation for an earlier attack allegedly launched by Iran.
Iranian media identified the victims as Jahandidah and Staff Sergeant Shahrokhifar, both members of the Iranian armed forces.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry vowed to respond, citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which upholds the right to self-defense. “Iran, based on the inherent right of self-defense, considers itself entitled and obligated to defend against foreign acts of aggression,” the statement read, describing Israel as the “main instigator” of instability in the region.
The Israeli assault reportedly involved over 100 drones and missiles, underscoring the scale of the operation. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, closely monitored the attack from the military’s command center in Tel Aviv.
The latest strikes represent a dangerous escalation in the longstanding hostilities between Israel and Iran, which have seen rising military confrontations across the region.
