Israel Strikes Iranian Military Sites; No Damage as Enemy Targets Shot Down: Iran

Israel launched aerial strikes on Iranian military sites across several provinces, including Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam.

The strikes come as Israel cited an ongoing "exercise of self-defense" following what it called months of Iranian hostilities. This latest development follows an earlier missile attack by Iran, involving an estimated 200 missiles targeting Israel on October 1. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the response is part of a broader operation to address escalating aggression from Iran and its allied proxies in the region.

In a statement, the IDF said, “The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since October 7^th (last year)—on seven fronts—including direct attacks from Iranian soil.”

Israel’s strikes involved dozens of aircraft, including fighter jets and refueling planes, which targeted key Iranian military installations over 1,600 kilometers away. “Our planes have safely returned home….. Based on intelligence, Israel Air Force (IAF) aircraft struck missile manufacturing facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran fired at the State of Israel over the last year. These missiles posed a direct and immediate threat to the citizens of the State of Israel. Simultaneously, the IDF struck surface-to-air missile arrays and additional Iranian aerial capabilities,” Israel claimed.

While the operation was entirely conducted by Israel, the United States had been in discussions with Israeli officials, advising a “targeted and proportional response” to avoid wider escalation. According to reports, President Biden specifically urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit civilian impact in any retaliatory action.

The United States has positioned THAAD missile defense systems in Israel, signaling readiness to counter any potential Iranian retaliation.

Iranian Defenses Respond

Iran’s air defense command confirmed the attack and claimed that its integrated defense systems intercepted Israeli missiles over the targeted areas. In a statement issued on Saturday morning, Iranian defense officials accused Israel of "adventurous action," asserting that the attacks were “criminal and illegal.” Footage shared by Iranian media captured what appeared to be the interception of Israeli missiles over Tehran. Officials stated that no impact was observed at critical Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities west and southwest of the capital.

Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported that loud sounds, initially alarming residents in Tehran, were caused by the activation of air defense systems countering “enemy” incursions. Both Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini International Airports continued operations without disruption, as IRNA noted that no significant damage occurred at the sites in question.

Details of the Struck Military Locations

The Israeli strikes targeted military facilities across key provinces, each hosting missile and air defense assets. Tehran’s facilities include ballistic missile stockpiles, such as the Shahab-3, Emad, and Sejjil missiles, which range up to 2,000 kilometers. This location also houses Iran’s primary radar and surveillance systems, such as the Ghadir and Matla ul-Fajr mobile radars. In Khuzestan, sites host short-range ballistic missiles like the Fateh-110, Zolfaghar, and Qiam, alongside Shahed-129 and Mohajer-6 drones used in regional operations. Ilam province holds drone manufacturing facilities and air defense systems, including the S-200 missile systems.

Iran’s Pledge to Respond

Iranian officials have warned of a proportional response, emphasizing their readiness to address what they termed "Israeli aggression." Tasnim News Agency quoted officials stating that “Iran reserves its right to respond to any form of aggression,” reaffirming that they would hold Israel accountable for any future actions.