Israel launched airstrikes on military targets in Iran in retaliation for a previous ballistic missile assault, officials said. The attack has escalated tensions in the region, with the Middle East on the brink of a potential regional war. Israel described the airstrikes as precise strikes on military targets in Iran, citing the need to respond to ongoing attacks by Iran and its proxies in the region.
Explosions were reported in the Iranian capital of Tehran, with state-run media confirming the blasts and attributing some of the sounds to air defense systems. International flights were diverted around western Iran as a precaution. In Syria, air defenses were also said to have targeted hostile targets.
Iran had previously launched two ballistic missile attacks on Israel amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The situation in Gaza has been dire, with thousands of Palestinians killed and many more trapped without adequate supplies. Israeli military operations in the West Bank and Lebanon have also escalated the conflict.
The strike by Israel on Iranian military targets coincided with the return of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken from a tour of the Middle East. The U.S. was notified in advance of the strikes but had no involvement in the operation. The White House urged Israel to avoid escalating the conflict further and to refrain from targeting nuclear sites in Iran.
Israel and Iran have a long history of conflict, with both countries engaging in a shadow war that has included assassinations, cyberattacks, and sabotage. The recent escalation follows a series of deadly attacks and retaliatory strikes between the two nations. Israel considers Iran to be its greatest threat due to its leaders’ calls for Israel’s destruction and support for anti-Israel militant groups.
The ongoing conflict has also impacted neighboring countries like Lebanon and Syria, where Israeli strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and raised humanitarian concerns. Aid groups have warned of dire conditions in Gaza and northern Lebanon due to the renewed offensive by Israeli forces against Hamas and Hezbollah.
Despite international pressure to show restraint, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with both Israel and Iran vowing to respond to any attacks. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation in the region.