Israel announced early Saturday that it had launched targeted airstrikes on Iranian military sites in response to a recent large-scale missile attack from Iran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the strikes were in retaliation for “months of continuous assaults” by Iran and its proxies, which have involved direct attacks from Iranian territory.
Explosions were reported around Tehran at about 2:15 a.m. local time. The IDF confirmed multiple waves of airstrikes targeting sites like air defense batteries and missile production facilities, carried out by dozens of Israeli aircraft. This mission, dubbed “Days of Repentance,” aimed to counter the Iranian threat, granting the Israeli Air Force greater operational flexibility in Iran for future engagements if necessary.
Israel stressed that the strikes targeted military installations, not nuclear or oil facilities, following a request from the Biden administration. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant monitored the operation from a bunker, joined by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and other top commanders.
Iran reported its air defenses countered the attacks, with “limited damage” in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces. Iranian officials threatened a “proportional response,” and IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari warned that any further escalation from Iran would prompt additional Israeli action.
This confrontation follows Iran’s October 1 missile attack on Israel, which caused damage in residential and military areas and led many Israelis to seek shelter. Iran stated its attack was in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other senior leaders, along with the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July.
