BREAKING: Israel releases three waves of strikes on Iran

Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian military sites just before sunrise on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.

According to report, these “precise strikes” were in direct response to Tehran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1, which was the second major assault on Israel within six months.

The Israeli military disclosed that the operation was completed successfully, achieving its objectives.

Israel has warned Iran against retaliating.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that its aircraft targeted facilities responsible for manufacturing missiles fired at Israel, as well as surface-to-air missile sites.

Notably, this is the first time Israel’s military has openly attacked Iran, which hasn’t seen such a sustained barrage from a foreign enemy since the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s.

In response

A semi-official Iranian news agency vowed a “proportional reaction” to Israel’s actions.

Iran reported that the strikes hit military bases in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran provinces, causing “limited damage.”

Two Iranian soldiers lost their lives while countering Israeli projectiles, according to an official army statement.

This latest development is part of a broader conflict between Israel and Iran, with tensions escalating throughout 2024.

Previous incidents include Israel’s bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus on April 1 and Iran’s subsequent strikes on Israel on April 13.

The situation remains volatile, with global concerns about potential further escalation.

An IDF spokesman stated that Israel is now on “peak alert” for potential retaliatory strikes from Iran.

In his words: “Based on intelligence, 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, that were intended to restrict Israel’s aerial freedom of operation in Iran”, he added.

This attack may escalate tensions between the long-time enemies, potentially leading to all-out war, especially considering the ongoing violence in the Middle East following Hamas’ attack on Israel last October.

Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been engaged in conflict with Israel since Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people and kidnapped 250 in Israel.

Avoid further regional escalation

Reports in the US said that the White House was warned before the strikes began.

The US subsequently cautioned Tehran against retaliatory attacks.

In a statement, the US emphasized that Israel’s latest attack should conclude the exchange of fire between the two nations.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking at the Commonwealth summit in Samoa, acknowledged that Israel “has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression”.

He urged restraint to avoid further regional escalation.

“I’m equally clear that we need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all sides to show restraint”, he said.

He added: “Iran should not respond”.

Syrian state TV reported explosions in the Damascus countryside and central region.

It further added that the country’s air defences had “confronted hostile targets” over the capital.

The strikes coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s return from a Middle East tour.

During this tour, he and other officials warned against escalating the conflict.

Israel and Iran have been bitter foes since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

This is with Israel citing Iran’s leaders’ calls for destruction, support for anti-Israel militant groups, and nuclear program development as significant threats.

Earlier on

The US earlier gave Israel a 30-day ultimatum to increase humanitarian aid access in Gaza or risk losing some US military support.

This warning came amid Israel’s recent northern Gaza offensive, which reportedly resulted in significant civilian casualties.

The US expressed major concern over the worsening humanitarian situation.

It noted that Israel blocked nearly 90% of humanitarian movements between Gaza’s north and south last month.

An Israeli official acknowledged the letter, stating that Israel takes the matter seriously and will address US concerns.

However, Israel claims it’s not blocking humanitarian aid but targeting Hamas operatives in northern Gaza.

Recently, 30 trucks carrying World Food Programme supplies entered northern Gaza through the Erez crossing, ending a two-week aid drought.

The UN reports a “constant peak emergency” in Gaza, with 400,000 Palestinians struggling to access essential goods.

According to the World Food Programme’s head in the occupied Palestinian territories, residents in northern Gaza rely solely on assistance, with limited access to fresh food outside of UN supplies.

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