Tensions between Israel and Iran intensified on Saturday night, as Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple sites across Iran, leading to the reported deaths of two Iranian soldiers. In an official statement, the Iranian military confirmed the fatalities, saying, “Last night, two of our fighters made the ultimate sacrifice while confronting missiles launched by the criminal Zionist regime.” The identities of the soldiers were not disclosed.
According to the Israeli military, the airstrikes targeted Iranian missile manufacturing facilities, missile installations, and related systems across various regions in Iran. Israel, in its statement, warned that Iran would “pay a heavy price” if it chose to retaliate. The strikes are reportedly part of an ongoing effort by Israel to curb Iran’s missile development capabilities.
Iranian authorities confirmed that the Israeli attack had specifically targeted military sites in Tehran province and other strategic locations, describing the resulting damage as “limited.”
The situation has raised international concerns about the potential for further conflict in the region, with global leaders urging de-escalation and restraint from both sides.
Israel had vowed to retaliate against Iran for its October 1 barrage of 200 missiles, the second-ever direct attack by Iran on its arch-foe. Most of those missiles were intercepted but one person was killed. The Israeli retaliation drew condemnation from Hamas and Saudi Arabia, which warned against further escalation.
Israel says strikes on Iran are a part of its ‘duty to respond’
Israel’s military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, announced on Sunday that Israel has completed a series of “targeted and precise” strikes on military sites in Iran. The operation, Hagari stated, was in response to what Israel described as “immediate threats” posed by Iran to the state of Israel.
“We carried out targeted and precise attacks against military targets in Iran – and thwarted immediate threats to the State of Israel,” Hagari said in a statement. The Israeli strikes reportedly aimed at disabling specific Iranian military capabilities, which Israel claims were poised to endanger its security.
Hagari also issued a strong warning to Iran, asserting that Israel remains vigilant and prepared to engage additional targets within Iran if deemed necessary. “We will know how to select additional targets … and strike them if required. This is a clear message: whoever threatens Israel will pay a heavy price,” he emphasized.
Israel attacked Tehran, Khuzestan and Ilam provinces in Iran, Tehran
“Despite the previous warnings of Islamic Republic officials to the criminal and illegal Zionist regime to avoid any adventurous actions, this fake regime attacked parts of military centres in Tehran, Khuzestan and Ilam provinces,” Iran air defence said.
Israeli airstrike also targeted some military sites in Syria’s central and southern parts early on Saturday, Syrian state news agency SANA reported.
Syrian air defence forces intercepted missiles launched by Israel “from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights and the Lebanese territories” and shot down some of them, SANA added.