Early Saturday, Israel launched a massive airstrike campaign on Iran’s capital, targeting Tehran’s key military installations and missile production facilities. The attacks, which came in three powerful waves, were Israel’s response to an October 1 incident when Iran fired 200 ballistic missiles at Israeli territory. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), issued a stark warning that any Iranian retaliation would be met with “a heavy price.” Hagari emphasized Israel’s commitment to defending its sovereignty, stating, “Our message is clear: anyone who threatens Israel will face the consequences.”
The IDF’s strikes were reportedly highly targeted, aiming at Iranian surface-to-air missile systems and drone production facilities that had restricted Israeli aerial activity in recent months. Witnesses across Tehran reported explosions that turned the sky red, while Iran’s National Air Defense claimed many of the missiles were intercepted. Despite these claims, Israeli sources confirmed that all IDF planes returned without damage, declaring the mission a success.
The escalation comes amidst warnings from both Israel and Iran. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly prepared multiple strategies, including a response involving up to 1,000 ballistic missiles if Iran suffers substantial casualties or infrastructure loss. Iran has asserted it will strike back with greater force if Israel targets sensitive areas such as oil refineries or nuclear facilities. Tehran’s leadership has also cautioned Israel about its presence in Lebanon and Gaza, asserting that it would not allow Israel’s military operations to continue uncontested.
This crisis comes just as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned from a Middle East tour, during which he and other officials urged Israel to avoid escalating the situation. President Biden, briefed in advance of Israel’s operation, has underscored the importance of restraint, requesting that the strikes avoid nuclear and high-casualty zones.
The regional tension has sparked fears of further conflict, with Israel’s Defense Ministry confirming that northern Israel is on high alert. The Home Front Command issued a warning of a possible drone intrusion from Lebanon. This latest escalation raises concerns about potential wide-scale regional conflict as Israel’s defense forces indicate they are ready to act decisively in response to any attack. The world waits to see if Iran will retaliate, potentially igniting a broader Middle Eastern conflict.
