By William J. Furney
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of strikes on Iranian military targets in the early hours of Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the longstanding regional tension between the two adversaries. Israeli officials said the strikes were in response to Tehran’s missile attack on Israel earlier this month, a move they described as a “necessary retaliation.”
An Israeli military spokesperson released a statement noting that the action was aimed at “precise military targets” and excluded critical infrastructure. “In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel – right now the Israel Defense Forces is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran,” the IDF confirmed. The strikes reportedly focused on missile manufacturing facilities and air defence sites within Iranian territory.
Iran’s response was swift. The semi-official Tasnim news agency cited an unnamed source, warning, “Iran reserves the right to respond to any aggression, and there is no doubt that Israel will face a proportional reaction for any action it takes.” According to Iranian state media, the country’s air defences intercepted incoming projectiles over Tehran and in cities in Khuzestan and Ilam provinces, with “limited damage” reported. Videos broadcast by Iranian media showed anti-aircraft fire illuminating the sky, while the country temporarily grounded flights to ensure safety.
Hours after the initial air raid, Israel confirmed its operation had concluded, achieving its goals without Israeli casualties. “If the regime in Iran were to make the mistake of beginning a new round of escalation, we will be obligated to respond,” an IDF spokesperson said.
Tension in the Middle East has been simmering for over a year, following a deadly attack by Hamas on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. Israel claims the incursion was orchestrated with Iran’s support, citing the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. In retaliation, Israel has launched a campaign against Hezbollah, expanding its assault on Gaza and including airstrikes in Lebanon.
The situation has attracted international scrutiny, with fears that the United States could be drawn into a broader conflict. The Biden administration, Israel’s primary ally, was notified of the IDF’s intent to strike Iranian targets but was not involved in the operation. Nonetheless, US officials reiterated their commitment to supporting Israel’s defence. “A senior Biden official confirmed the US’s preparedness to defend Israel if Iran should choose to respond, emphasising that Washington supports a ‘targeted and proportional’ response,” a Pentagon spokesperson said.
Notably, the US has moved THAAD anti-missile systems, along with personnel, to Israel to provide an additional layer of security. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, speaking to his Israeli counterpart, underscored the deployment’s importance in the face of regional instability. While President Biden has supported Israel’s right to self-defence, he has urged caution, particularly concerning strikes on critical energy and nuclear sites in Iran.
A top US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted the operation’s restraint, confirming that Israeli forces refrained from targeting Iran’s nuclear or energy facilities. The restraint reportedly followed guidance from President Biden, who had urged Israel to avoid risking a wider escalation by damaging Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia condemned the attack as a breach of sovereignty and international law. Riyadh called for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and advocated for international action to reduce tensions.
- Image: Tasnim News Agency.