Israel Conducts "Precise Strikes" On Iran, Explosions Heard Around Tehran

Early on Saturday, Israel launched a coordinated air campaign targeting military sites in Iran, marking the first openly acknowledged Israeli strike on Iranian territory. The operation, dubbed “Days of Reckoning,” reportedly aimed at Iranian missile production facilities, missile systems, and other air defense infrastructure. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes were a direct response to “Iran and its proxies,” addressing escalating hostilities involving Iran-backed entities in Gaza and Lebanon

 

Timeline of Events

On Friday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant convened with cabinet members, where they approved plans for the operation. Israeli media reports stated that Israel issued a final warning to Iran before the strikes, cautioning against any retaliation.

The first wave of attacks began after 2 a.m. local time on Saturday (22:30 GMT on Friday), focusing on Tehran and surrounding military sites. This initial wave was followed by a second assault on Tehran and the provinces of Ilam and Khuzestan around 5 a.m. local time. The campaign concluded at approximately 6 a.m., with Israel’s military announcing it had “achieved its objectives.” All aircraft involved reportedly returned to Israel without incident.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that two of its soldiers were killed in the strikes. In response, Iran’s state officials reiterated their stance on defending against any attacks from Israel, including ongoing support for Iran-aligned forces in Gaza and Lebanon.

 Regional Fallout: Syria and Iraq

Simultaneously, Israel conducted airstrikes on military sites in Syria, specifically in central and southern regions. Syria’s state news agency, SANA, reported that air defense systems had been activated to respond to “hostile targets,” although Israel did not publicly confirm these attacks. Explosions were also reported in Basra, Iraq, leading to a temporary closure of Iraqi airspace. However, Iraqi officials later clarified that the blasts had occurred across the border within Iran.

The multi-front approach reflects a significant escalation in Israel's military operations across the Middle East, targeting Iranian interests and affiliated groups in Iraq, Syria, and Gaza. Israeli officials characterized these strikes as measures of self-defense, aimed at curbing Iran’s missile capabilities and discouraging further aggression from Iran-backed forces.

International Responses and Reactions

The United States, a close ally of Israel, stated that it was not directly involved in the strikes. However, President Joe Biden was reportedly kept informed of the developments throughout the operation. A White House official reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself but did not comment on the specific strikes.

The coordinated campaign has sent ripples across the region, potentially heightening tensions between Israel and Iranian-aligned forces. Given that Iran has strong military and political influence in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, the ramifications of these strikes are expected to reverberate throughout the Middle East. Iran’s response is being closely monitored, with officials indicating that the country’s defensive stance will remain firm against Israeli actions.

Implications for Regional Stability

Israel’s first openly acknowledged strikes on Iran mark a turning point in their conflict, signaling Israel’s determination to act against what it perceives as mounting threats from Iran and its proxies. The strikes underscore Israel’s heightened vigilance regarding Iranian military capabilities, particularly missile production, which it views as a substantial risk to its security.

As flights across Iran resumed by 9 a.m., and normalcy was restored in some of the targeted regions, observers and governments worldwide remain alert to any further escalations. With ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, this new front between Israel and Iran could add a complex dimension to regional diplomacy and security. The developments are also likely to impact the roles of international players like the United States and Russia, who have strategic interests in the region.

The situation remains fluid, and as both countries signal resolve, it is uncertain whether diplomatic measures will take precedence or whether further military engagements will unfold in the near future.