Israel launched airstrikes on military installations in Iran early Saturday, marking a response to an Iranian assault earlier this month.
However, the strikes appeared to avoid Iran's critical oil and nuclear facilities, following appeals from international allies and regional neighbors urging restraint.
The clash heightened fears of an expanded conflict between Israel and Iran, both heavily armed and engaged in regional hostilities, especially amid ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon. The immediate impact of the overnight strikes on further escalation remains unclear.
Israel’s military confirmed multiple air raids targeting missile production sites and other military facilities and issued a stern warning to Iran against retaliation.
Iran reported that its air defenses intercepted the attacks but confirmed two soldier fatalities and limited damage to some locations. An Iranian news outlet promised a "proportional response."
Tensions have intensified between the two nations following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, supported by Iran, and Iran's subsequent launch of approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1, killing one person in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, Israel’s operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran's ally, have further raised tensions.
The U.S. and regional powers continue to press for de-escalation, closely monitoring Iran’s potential response. Iran's Foreign Ministry affirmed Iran’s right to self-defense while recognizing its responsibility for regional peace.
High-level discussions in Tehran reviewed response options, with reports indicating minor damage, including at some Revolutionary Guard bases in and around the capital.
Footage on Iranian news showed unaffected passengers at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, attempting to downplay the strike’s impact, though explosions were reported near military bases. Israel’s military indicated no immediate threat from Iran and maintained normal public safety levels.
Israel's military announced strikes on missile production facilities and surface-to-air missile systems, with all jets returning safely. An Israeli military statement warned that any Iranian escalation would prompt a counter-response, though no energy or nuclear sites were targeted, as confirmed by a U.S. official.
President Biden advised Israel to explore alternatives to targeting Iran's nuclear or oil infrastructure. Iran has refrained from specific retaliation vows but issued a warning, with Iran's Tasnim news agency signaling a proportional response if necessary.
A senior U.S. official underscored support for Israel’s "proportional strikes" and reiterated American readiness to defend Israel if Iran responds.
Videos from Iranian media showed active air defenses over Tehran, reportedly targeting incoming projectiles. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps bases suffered no substantial damage, and flights resumed after a temporary suspension during the assault.
Reports from neighboring Iraq confirmed resumed flights, while Jordan and Saudi Arabia stated that Israeli aircraft did not use their airspace.
In a related development, Israel carried out airstrikes on military targets in Syria, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA, though Israel did not confirm these actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant supervised the operations from a military command center, with Gallant later discussing the situation with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who reinforced U.S. commitment to regional allies' defense.
Israel notified the U.S. prior to the strikes, though Washington was not directly involved. Saudi Arabia, which recently mended relations with Iran and was moving toward better ties with Israel, condemned the strikes as a breach of Iranian sovereignty.
Efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal are expected to continue in Doha as negotiators convene on Sunday.
