In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel announced “precise strikes” on military targets in Iran on Saturday, following months of missile attacks from Tehran.
An AFP journalist in Tehran reported hearing multiple explosions as the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) declared that the strikes were in response to continuous aggression from the Iranian regime.
“In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel, the IDF is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran,” the military stated.
This operation follows a missile strike from Iran on October 1, with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowing a “deadly, precise and surprising” response.
The backdrop to this conflict includes the deadliest attack in Israel’s history on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,206 individuals, predominantly civilians.
Israel’s military efforts have since expanded to include operations against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon to secure its northern border.
Military spokesman Daniel Hagari urged citizens to remain “alert and vigilant” amid escalating tensions.
Iran’s October 1 strike, the second direct assault on Israel, followed an Israeli air raid that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guards general Abbas Nilforoushan on September 27.
In response to Israel’s military actions, Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes, emphasising its “firm position rejecting escalation” in the region, which threatens the security and stability of Middle Eastern nations.
The Saudi foreign ministry reiterated the need for restraint to prevent further conflict.
