By outdoor-nature-child.com Israel has conducted what it describes as “precise and targeted” airstrikes against Iran in a response to the barrage of missile attacks launched by Tehran earlier this month. This escalation marks yet another episode in the ongoing exchanges between the two countries that have raised fears of a potential all-out regional war.
Iran claims that the strikes on Saturday targeted military sites and resulted in the deaths of four soldiers, but early assessments indicate that the attacks may have been more limited than anticipated. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
Can you detail how the attacks unfolded? Reports from Iranian media began surfacing around 2:15 AM local time (10:45 PM GMT on Friday), indicating explosions in and around Tehran. Verified videos on social media depicted projectiles flying over the city, with residents reporting loud booms. Shortly thereafter, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they were conducting “precise” strikes on “military targets” within Iran.
The operation involved multiple aircraft, including jets and drones, targeting Iran’s air defenses and facilities involved in missile and drone production. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant monitored the action from the IDF’s command center in Tel Aviv. The strikes occurred in waves over a three-hour period, concluding around 6:30 AM (3:00 AM GMT). The White House labeled the operation as an “exercise of self-defense,” noting that the U.S. had collaborated with Israel to advocate for a “targeted and proportional” response.
What can you tell us about the scale of these attacks? The full extent of the attacks and the resultant damage remain uncertain. The IDF stated that it struck around 20 targets, including missile manufacturing facilities and military installations. Iranian military sources confirmed that four soldiers died, with two casualties occurring during the interception of projectiles. Iranian authorities reported that locations in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces were targeted. While the air defense claims to have successfully thwarted many attacks, it noted that “some areas sustained limited damage.” Initial assessments from BBC Verify indicate damage at a defense ministry location east of Tehran and at an air defense base to the south.
A senior U.S. official mentioned that the strikes did not affect Iranian oil infrastructure or nuclear sites, which President Biden had advised Israel to avoid. Meanwhile, reports from Syrian state media pointed to strikes on military sites in central and southern Syria, though Israel has not confirmed these actions.
Why did Israel decide to attack Iran now? Iran plays a crucial supporting role for several groups in the Middle East that are known to be hostile to Israel, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which are currently engaged in conflict with Israel. This follows a series of retaliatory responses, including a significant missile attack from Iran that targeted Israel in April, following an Israeli airstrike in Syria.
Israel’s previous limited airstrike on an Iranian missile defense system went unanswered by Tehran, and a string of targeted killings attributed to Israel—including key Hezbollah figures—heightened tensions further. In early October, Iran retaliated with approximately 180 ballistic missiles aimed at Israel, which Israel’s latest attack has been framed as a response to.
Can you share more about the political ramifications? Despite reports from U.S. outlet Axios suggesting that Israel had communicated details of the planned strikes to Iran beforehand, Netanyahu’s office firmly refuted this claim, affirming that no prior notifications were given regarding timing or targets. Early analyses indicated that the recent strikes may not have escalated the situation as drastically as feared. The IDF remarked, “We are focused on our war objectives in Gaza and Lebanon. It is Iran that continues to pursue broader regional escalation.”
Iran’s foreign ministry asserted its right to self-defense while labeling the strikes as breaches of international law. Yet, they also acknowledged their responsibilities concerning regional peace and stability.
What is the current situation inside Iran? Recent images from Iranian state media depict bustling streets and everyday life continuing, with markets and parks appearing normal. While Iran briefly closed its airspace, it reopened several hours later, with commercial flights resuming by late afternoon. Nevertheless, concerns appear to be rising among Iranian authorities, as the IRGC has warned against sharing information about the attacks with media outlets considered “hostile.” Furthermore, Iran’s Prosecutor Office has initiated legal actions against a website for reporting against national security interests.
How has the global community reacted? U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett stated that Israel’s operation “avoided populated areas,” concentrating solely on military targets. Nevertheless, he emphasized Washington’s goal of accelerating diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored Israel’s right to self-defense, but he urged all parties to exercise restraint, particularly calling on Iran to refrain from retaliating. Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes and cautioned against actions threatening regional security and stability, a sentiment echoed by Egypt’s foreign ministry. Hamas criticized the airstrikes as an egregious violation of Iranian sovereignty that jeopardizes regional security and the well-being of its peoples.
Additional reporting has been provided by Ghoncheh Habibiazad of BBC Monitoring.