Tehran, 26 October 2024: In a major escalation, Israel has initiated targeted strikes against Iranian military installations, a response to the October 1 missile assault in which Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles toward Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stressed the necessity of these actions, declaring them a justified act of self-defense against ongoing threats from Iran.
“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 IDF stated. Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesperson, further urged Israeli citizens to “remain alert and vigilant” amid the heightened tensions.
The United States was notified prior to the strikes, though no American personnel or assets participated in the operation. Sean Savett, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, described Israel’s military actions as “an exercise of self-defense and in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack against Israel.”
On Saturday morning, explosions were reported in the vicinity of Tehran, although their exact cause remains unclear. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency noted that no aircraft or rockets were detected over the city during the incidents. Iranian state television attributed the blasts to the “activation of the air defense system,” claiming the explosions were a reaction to the “Zionist regime” targeting multiple locations outside Tehran.
Residents in nearby Karaj also reported hearing blasts, while Iranian authorities stated that operations at key sites—including Imam Khomeini International Airport and a major oil refinery—were unaffected by the strikes. However, Iranian news outlets indicated that several military bases in the area had been targeted.
In a related development, Syrian air defenses were activated in response to “hostile targets” near Damascus, with reports of explosions in the city and its surroundings. While there has been no official confirmation linking these events directly to the Israeli strikes, the situation underscores the volatile regional dynamics.
Israel’s recent military focus has intensified, particularly following a devastating attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, which marked one of the most severe assaults in the nation’s history. This prompted relentless offensives against Hamas in Gaza and increased security measures along Israel’s northern border to address Hezbollah’s potential threats.
Earlier this week, Israel’s defense minister issued a stern warning, stating that any attempt to harm Israel would come at a “heavy price.” While the United States has reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to self-defense, it has also engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in the region.
