Israel Strikes Iran Following Missile Attacks
Retaliatory attacks heighten conflict in the Middle East
- Israeli strikes targeted Iranian missile facilities, killing four soldiers
- Iran vowed to defend itself while expressing a commitment to regional peace
- The U.S. and UK called for restraint from Iran
In a sharp escalation of hostilities, Israeli forces launched strikes against Iranian military targets early Saturday, reportedly killing four Iranian soldiers.
This action comes in retaliation for nearly 200 ballistic missiles fired at Israel by Iran earlier this month.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the attacks focused on missile factories and other strategic sites near Tehran and in western Iran.
In a somewhat conciliatory tone, Iran’s Foreign Ministry emphasized its responsibility to defend itself while also recognizing the need for regional peace and security.
The recent Iranian missile barrage was said to be in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil in July. Although many missiles were intercepted, a few did manage to hit central and southern Israel.
Iran’s military claimed to have successfully countered the Israeli attacks, reporting limited damage across affected provinces. Meanwhile, footage from Iranian state media showed normal life continuing in cities, despite the conflict.
The Israeli military announced its operations shortly after explosions were reported, with IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stating that Israel remains prepared to defend itself. He warned that further escalation from Iran would necessitate a response.
Both the US and UK urged Iran to refrain from retaliation, with President Biden’s administration calling for an end to the violence cycle. While the US was informed of the strikes, officials clarified that they were not involved.
They had advised Israel to avoid hitting oil infrastructure or nuclear facilities and to conduct a targeted, proportional response, which they claimed was achieved.
In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that the selection of targets was driven by Israel’s national interests rather than American directives.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself while calling for restraint from Iran.
However, regional powers, including Russia and allies like Jordan and Saudi Arabia, condemned the strikes, calling them a dangerous escalation. Qatar expressed serious concerns about potential repercussions from the conflict.
As the situation unfolds, reports indicate that Israeli air strikes have also targeted locations in southern Syria, with Hezbollah firing projectiles into northern Israel shortly thereafter. The conflict’s intensity raises fears of a broader war in the Middle East.
