Israel launched a series of targeted airstrikes on Iran early Saturday morning, aiming at multiple military sites across Iran in response to recent Iranian missile and drone attacks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the operation as a “precise and powerful” act of self-defence, aimed at degrading Iran’s missile production capabilities and military defences. The incident marks the latest escalation in a long-standing regional rivalry, raising fears of a wider Middle Eastern conflict.

Details of the Airstrikes

The IDF’s operation began around 02:15 local time on Saturday (22:45 GMT on Friday). Explosions were reported across various locations in Tehran, with videos on social media showing projectiles streaking through the sky. Over three hours, waves of Israeli aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, targeted military installations. Reports indicate that facilities involved in missile and drone production were heavily damaged, including a complex in Parchin near Tehran, which may have a critical role in Iran’s missile capabilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu monitored the operation from the IDF’s command and control centre in Tel Aviv. He later stated that Israel’s objective was to “severely damage Iran’s defence capabilities” and to send a message that “whoever hurts us, we hurt them.” The IDF confirmed that around 20 targets were hit, including air defence systems and missile production facilities in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces.

Casualties and Damages

According to Iranian state media, the strikes resulted in the deaths of four Iranian soldiers and one civilian. Iran has downplayed the extent of the damage, claiming that most of Israel’s missiles were intercepted. However, independent sources, including BBC Verify, have identified significant damage at a defence ministry base near Tehran and an air defence base in southern Iran. Iran temporarily closed its airspace but has since reopened it.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded by urging the public not to “exaggerate or downplay” the attacks. He stated that it is up to Iran’s authorities to “determine how to convey the power and will of the Iranian people to the Israeli regime” in a way that serves the nation’s interests.

Context of the Escalation

This latest airstrike follows a pattern of tit-for-tat exchanges between Israel and Iran, with tensions steadily mounting over the past year. In April, Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel, firing about 300 missiles and drones in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike in Syria that killed high-ranking members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Israel responded with a limited strike on Iranian defences in Isfahan, which did not elicit further retaliation from Iran at that time.

Further escalations occurred in July when Israel allegedly killed senior figures associated with Hezbollah and Hamas in separate incidents in Beirut and Tehran. Iran responded in October with approximately 180 ballistic missiles directed at Israel, marking its most significant attack on Israel to date. Israel’s recent strikes on Iran are, in turn, a response to this latest barrage from Iran, underscoring the cycle of retaliatory actions that continue to define the conflict.

Regional and International Reactions

The international community has expressed mixed reactions to the strikes, with the United States supporting Israel’s right to self-defence while urging restraint. A senior U.S. official stated that the U.S. had coordinated with Israel to ensure the strikes were “targeted and proportional.” Washington emphasized that the Israeli strikes avoided Iranian oil infrastructure and nuclear facilities, in line with President Joe Biden’s encouragement to limit the scope of the operation.

The UK’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, also supported Israel’s right to self-defence but called for “restraint” from both sides. In contrast, Saudi Arabia and Egypt issued statements condemning the strikes and warning of the potential for regional instability. Saudi officials highlighted the risk to the security of the entire Middle East, while Egypt’s foreign ministry voiced “grave concerns” about the possibility of further escalations.

Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the strikes as a “violation of international law” and asserted Iran’s right to defend itself. However, Tehran also expressed a commitment to “regional peace and security.” Iranian authorities appear cautious in their response, with the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) stating that it would be a criminal offence to share any images or information about the attacks with foreign or hostile media.

Impact on Iranian Society

Despite the strikes, life in Iran appears to be continuing as usual, according to images from Iranian state media. Busy marketplaces, public parks, and regular street activity indicate a sense of normalcy. However, the Iranian government has taken measures to control the narrative. The IRGC recently criminalized sharing any information related to the attacks with “Israel-affiliated” or “hostile” media. Local reports indicate that Tehran’s Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against a website accused of publishing content “counter to national security.”

What’s Next in the Israel-Iran Conflict?

Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have denied a report by Axios suggesting that Israel provided Iran with prior notice of the attack. According to Netanyahu’s spokesperson, Israel did not disclose any information about the timing, targets, or intensity of the operation.

The IDF stated that its focus remains on its operations in Gaza and Lebanon, where Israel is currently involved in other active conflicts. The Israeli government has held Iran responsible for any further escalation in the region, but a senior U.S. official expressed hope that this latest exchange of strikes will conclude the immediate hostilities between Israel and Iran.

Iran, on the other hand, is keeping its response measured but resolute. Tehran has signalled a willingness to defend itself while also expressing caution to avoid exacerbating tensions. The Iranian government’s official stance emphasizes its responsibility to protect regional stability, suggesting that both countries might seek to prevent a full-scale conflict despite the heightened tensions.

The unfolding events underline the fragility of peace in the region, with both sides seemingly committed to defending their interests. However, with neither willing to make significant concessions, the risk of an all-out war remains a persistent concern among international observers and regional actors alike.