Retaliatory strike from Israel to Iran: 'Military targets hit'

The Israeli military announced that it has conducted precision strikes on military sites in Iran.

An Israeli military spokesperson stated, "In response to the recent attacks by the regime in Iran against Israel, military points have been targeted."

Announcing that the operation has been completed, the Israeli military stated, "Facilities where missiles used in Iran's attacks on Israel were manufactured, as well as surface-to-air missile defense systems, were struck."

The attack took place in three waves starting from the night hours. In the first wave, Iranian defense systems were targeted. In the others, missile and drone production facilities and bases were hit. Iran's air defense systems responded to the attack.

SUCCESSIVE EXPLOSIONS IN TEHRAN

In a written statement issued by the Iranian Air Defense Headquarters, it was stated that despite warnings from Iranian officials, Israel carried out attacks on military points in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam.

It was reported that the attacks were successfully countered by air defense systems, but that "limited damage" occurred in some locations and the extent of the incident is being investigated.

The semi-official Tasnim News Agency stated that details regarding the incident would be announced later, noting that there was no emergency situation at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport or Mehrabad Airport.

The report stated that some of the footage of explosions published on social media was determined to be old and unrelated to the explosions that occurred tonight.

On the other hand, the semi-official Mehr News Agency shared footage from an oil refinery in Tehran, reporting that no explosions had occurred at the refinery.

There has been no statement from Iranian officials regarding the matter yet.

STATEMENT FROM THE WHITE HOUSE

The White House National Security Council (NSC) reported that Israel struck military targets in Iran in accordance with its right to "self-defense."

In a report by Israeli state television KAN, it was stated, "Israel informed the US before the attack on Iran."

An official from the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) stated that "there was no US involvement" in Israel's attacks.

KAN shared information that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were at the Ministry of Defense building.

BIDEN AND HARRIS BRIEFED

A written statement was issued by the White House regarding the matter.

The statement noted that Biden was briefed by his national security team about Israel's "military operation" against Iran, and that the US President is closely monitoring developments.

The statement also indicated that US Vice President Kamala Harris was briefed on Israel's attacks against military targets in Iran and will continue to closely monitor the developments.

SIMULTANEOUS EXPLOSIONS IN SYRIA

It was reported that explosions also occurred in the Syrian capital, Damascus, and the Homs province, simultaneously with the explosions in the Iranian capital, Tehran.

In a report by the Syrian regime's agency SANA, it was stated that sounds of explosions were heard near Damascus.

According to social media accounts close to the regime, explosion sounds were also heard in Homs.

Hezbollah and Iranian-backed groups have a heavy presence in Damascus and Homs.

WILL THERE BE A RESPONSE?

According to a report by Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim, an unnamed source stated that Tehran will respond to the airstrike carried out by Israel during the night hours.

The source said, "As we have stated before, Iran is prepared to respond to Israel's attacks. Iran reserves the right to respond to any attack. There is no doubt that Israel will receive an appropriate response to any action."

ALL FLIGHTS IN IRAN CANCELLED

Iran decided to suspend all flights as a security measure following the Israeli attack. In a statement, Jafar Yazerloo, spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran, said, "All flights across the country have been cancelled until further notice."

Yazerloo added, "Passengers who have purchased tickets will be informed by airline companies regarding the resumption of flights."

AIRSPACE REOPENED

Iran announced that it has reopened its airspace, which it had closed across the country until further notice, to flights as of 09:00 local time.

Civil Aviation Organization spokesperson Jafar Yazerloo announced that flights, which were suspended following Israel's attacks, have resumed with the new decision taken.

MISSILE WARS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Approximately 3 weeks ago, Iran carried out the heaviest and most comprehensive missile attack on Israel in recent years. It was announced that hypersonic Fattah 1 missiles, along with missiles exceeding the speed of sound, were used in the bombardment.

The Fattah 1 medium-range hypersonic missiles were first introduced by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in 2023.

It was stated that the attack was carried out in response to Israeli strikes that killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian General Abbas Nilforoushan.

It had been warned that if Israel responded militarily to this attack, it would face a "devastating response."

Speaking after the bombardment, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Iran made a big mistake tonight. They will pay the price. Iran's missile attack on Israel failed."

News Source: AA