In a rare direct confrontation, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian military installations on Friday, reportedly targeting over 20 sites in three provinces, including Tehran.
Story Summary:
- Israel executed airstrikes on military sites in Iran, alleging retaliation against months of Iranian and proxy attacks, especially missile threats.
- Israeli authorities stated the strikes targeted missile production facilities and air defences in three Iranian provinces, with limited damage reported.
- The US National Security Council confirmed awareness but noted no involvement, emphasising Israel’s right to self-defence amid intensifying regional conflict.
Israel attacks Iran: Here’s everything we know
The Israeli army confirmed “Operation Days of Reckoning” was aimed at dismantling what it identified as “missile production sites” and Iranian air defences in response to escalating threats, including an alleged October 1 missile strike by Iran on Israel.
The operation concluded early Friday morning with all Israeli aircraft safely returning to base, according to Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari.
Hagari outlined the objectives of the operation, stating it focused on sites crucial to Iran’s missile capabilities.
He emphasised that Israel would continue to strike if Iran retaliates:
“We will know how to select additional targets…and strike them if required,” Hagari warned.
Additional insights were provided by Avichay Adraee, an Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli military, who detailed that the strike was intelligence-led, focusing on missile production and air defence systems.
He confirmed the mission’s success, saying:
“All objectives have been achieved, and our aircraft returned without incident.”
Iranian military officials, while confirming the strikes, downplayed the impact.
A statement aired on state television indicated limited damage to bases in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran, crediting Iranian air defences for limiting the strike’s effectiveness.
No images from the strike sites were broadcast, adding to the uncertainty about the full extent of the damage.
The US National Security Council stated awareness of the strikes but distanced itself from any direct involvement, describing Israel’s actions as self-defence.
This comes as Israel navigates heightened regional instability, including active conflict in Gaza, which has already strained Israel’s military resources and heightened tensions with regional actors.