Israel has launched a series of strikes against Iran, targeting multiple military installations across the country, including sites near the capital, Tehran. The operation comes in response to what Israel describes as months of continuous attacks from Iran and its regional proxies.
According to statements released via Israel’s official channels, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted “precise strikes on military targets in Iran.” The IDF stated, “The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since October 7th—on seven fronts—including direct attacks from Iranian soil. Like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and the duty to respond.”
Iran’s military confirmed that the strikes targeted bases in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran provinces. While Iranian officials reported “limited damage,” they acknowledged that two soldiers were killed in the attacks. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the strikes as a clear violation of international law and indicated that the country would respond accordingly.
IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari announced the conclusion of the mission, stating that the strikes had “thwarted immediate threats to the State of Israel.” He added, “We conducted targeted and precise strikes on military targets in Iran—thwarting immediate threats to the State of Israel.”
The United States was reportedly informed of Israel’s plans in advance. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, reiterating America’s commitment to Israel’s security and its right to self-defense. Austin also stressed the importance of preventing further escalation in the region.
International reactions have been mixed. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iran to exercise restraint, stating, “I am clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression. I’m equally clear that we need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all sides to show restraint.” Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes without naming Israel, calling them a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international norms.
The escalation follows Iran’s launch of nearly 200 missiles across Israel’s borders earlier this month. Israel’s retaliatory strikes aimed to target “missile manufacturing facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran fired at the State of Israel over the last year,” as well as surface-to-air missile sites and other aerial capabilities.
Tensions have been further heightened by the leak of top-secret Israeli documents to an Iranian Telegram account. The documents reportedly detailed Israel’s movement of munitions and air force exercises involving air-to-surface missiles.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, urging both nations to seek diplomatic solutions to avoid a broader conflict.