Israel launched airstrikes early Saturday, targeting what it claimed were “military sites” in Iran. Iranian state media acknowledged the blasts, noting that some explosions near Tehran and other cities were caused by air defense responses.
Initial reports from Iranian media highlighted loud explosions in Tehran and surrounding areas, though there were no immediate updates on damage. Israeli forces have reportedly “fully mobilized” their defense and offense capabilities, with military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari advising citizens to stay “alert and vigilant.”
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency cited sources asserting the nation’s readiness to retaliate proportionally. According to NBC and ABC News, an Israeli official confirmed that energy or nuclear sites were not targeted.
Iranian outlets, including Fars, reported Israeli strikes on multiple military bases around Tehran, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps locations, though no severe damage was confirmed. A U.S. official said Israel had informed the United States before the attack, but the U.S. was not involved in the operation.
Following the strikes, Israel announced the completion of its mission, asserting it had dismantled Iranian missile production facilities and air defense installations across various regions.
Iran reported limited damage to bases in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran provinces, while Israeli sources reported attacks on missile arrays and military installations. Later developments indicated an escalation, with Shiraz reportedly under attack in a second wave.
Analysts expect an Iranian response, given prior Iranian missile attacks on Israel. This escalation coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s return from the Middle East, where he emphasized restraint to avoid worsening regional tensions. Syria’s air defenses reportedly intercepted “hostile targets” near Damascus on Saturday.
Political analysts suggest that if significant Iranian officials or major installations are impacted, a strong Iranian response is probable. Omar Baddar remarked that a serious assault would likely trigger direct retaliation, while Negar Mortazavi noted the scope of Israel’s strikes might be less severe than anticipated.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) recently stationed F-16 jets in the Middle East, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirming the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system to bolster Israel’s defenses.
