Tehran (Web Desk/Agencies): Iran stated that two of its soldiers were martyred during Israeli airstrikes that targeted military installations on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.
This incident occurs nearly a month after Israel vowed to respond to a missile barrage from Iran, which had raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict in the Middle East.
The Israeli military stated that its airstrikes focused on various military assets, including missile manufacturing facilities and missile installations across several regions in Iran.
Israeli officials issued a warning to Tehran, asserting that any retaliation would lead to a severe response.
Early in the morning, multiple explosions were reported over Tehran and nearby military bases, starting shortly after 2am. local time.
Iranian media covered these developments, indicating that air defenses were activated in response to the attacks.
Iran claimed that its air defense systems successfully intercepted some incoming strikes, resulting in limited damage to specific locations.
The backdrop to these hostilities includes heightened tensions following an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, which has seen Israel intensify its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and ongoing offensives in Gaza.
On October 1, Iran launched approximately 200 missiles at Israel, killing one individual in the West Bank, prompting Israel’s retaliatory strikes.
Israel's military claimed that its operations were precise and targeted, designed to counter months of perceived aggression from Iran.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they had completed their strikes, which included hitting truck-mounted missile manufacturing facilities and surface-to-air missile arrays.
In a statement, Israel warned Iran against escalating the situation further, emphasizing that it would respond decisively to any aggressive actions from Tehran.
The targets of the strikes reportedly did not include energy infrastructure or Iran's nuclear sites, a point underscored by a US official.
US President Joe Biden had previously indicated that Washington would not support an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities and advised Israel to consider alternatives regarding strikes on Iranian oil fields.
The US has been closely monitoring the situation, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other officials in communication with Israeli leaders throughout the operation.
In response to the airstrikes, Iranian authorities vowed to retaliate against any acts of aggression. A semi-official news agency in Iran stated that the country reserved the right to respond and would take proportional action in light of the attacks.
In the international arena, neighboring countries expressed concern over the escalation. Saudi Arabia condemned the Israeli strikes as a violation of Iran's sovereignty, urging all parties to exercise restraint.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also criticized the military targeting of Iran and called for dialogue to address the situation peacefully.
Qatar's foreign ministry condemned the attacks, labeling them a blatant violation of international law and urging all sides to avoid further escalation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented on the situation, affirming Israel's right to defend itself while urging Iran not to escalate the conflict further.
As the situation unfolds, there are increasing fears of a broader conflict drawing in the US and other regional powers, given the complex web of alliances and enmities in the area.
The recent events have left the Middle East on edge, with many watching closely for any further developments in this escalating confrontation.