In a counter-strike operation, the Israeli armed forces have reportedly carried out a comprehensive yet pinpointed assault on Iranian targets, according to a high-ranking US officer. Iran disclosed that three of its locations sustained minor damages, asserting that Israel’s counter-strike was not aimed towards its critical nuclear and oil facilities, following urgent appeals for moderation from neighbours and allies.
Israel indicated that this operation was aimed against the continued assaults launched by the Iranian government over the past several months. The action was anticipated following Iran’s earlier attacks on Israel this month. The Israeli public broadcasting agency, Kan, reported the operation involved numerous fighter jets.
On Saturday morning, the Israeli armed forces communicated that their military strikes, specifically targeting missile production facilities and anti-aircraft defences within various regions of Iran, were successful, and all aircraft had returned home safely. Three rounds of counter-strikes were reportedly completed, according to Israel’s public broadcaster. The Israeli military forces stated they would be compelled to counter strike if the Iranian regime were to intensify the situation further.
Explosions reverberated over Tehran, Karaj, and the eastern city of Mashhad just past 2.30am local time on Saturday, as Israeli jets attacked military bases within Iran.
Iran reported that its air defence system successfully mitigated Israel’s attacks with only minimal damage incurred in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam. Iran’s foreign ministry declared on Saturday that Iran has both the right and obligation to protect itself from foreign aggression.
Labeling the Israeli offensive as a breach of international law, the ministry pledged to uphold its commitment towards regional peace and security. An upper-level US administration representative stressed that this large-scale and precise operation, aimed at military bases across Iran, was intended to prevent further hostility. Furthermore, the official emphasized that the US views this operation as the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran and confirmed that the US did not participate in the Israeli military operation.