Israel launched pre-dawn airstrikes targeting military sites in Iran as a response to the ballistic missiles fired by Iran earlier. This marked the first open attack by Israel on Iran. The strikes focused on facilities used by Iran to produce the missiles and surface-to-air missile sites. There was no immediate indication of any damage to oil or nuclear facilities, which would have escalated the situation further.
Explosions were heard in Tehran, Iran’s capital, and the Islamic Republic reported limited damage. Iran’s military confirmed that the strikes hit military bases in several provinces. The attacks have raised concerns about a potential all-out war between the two countries, especially with the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East involving militant groups supported by Iran.
Israel’s military spokesperson emphasized that Iran had attacked Israel twice before, leading to consequences. The recent attack aimed to weaken Iran’s air defense capabilities without escalating the situation further. Analysts suggest that Israel’s decision to target military sites over nuclear and energy infrastructure signals a desire to avoid further escalation at this time.
In response to the airstrikes, Israel’s opposition leader criticized the decision to spare strategic and economic targets, suggesting that a heavier price could have been exacted from Iran. The United States and Britain warned against further retaliation, while Saudi Arabia condemned the strike as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty.
Tensions in the region have been escalating, with recent incidents in Lebanon and ongoing conflicts between Israel and Iran dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The shadow war between the two countries has seen various covert operations and attacks, leading to a more open confrontation in recent years.
The situation remains volatile, with potential for further escalations depending on the responses from both Israel and Iran. The international community is closely monitoring the developments and urging restraint to prevent a wider conflict in the already turbulent Middle East region.
