The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed launching airstrikes on Iranian military targets early Saturday, citing self-defense in response to recent attacks from Iran.
The IDF shared on X that these "precise strikes" target Iranian sites following Iran's October 1 ballistic missile attack against Israel. Israeli officials stated the strikes responded to multiple fronts of aggression by Iran and its regional allies since October 7.
In Washington, the White House confirmed that President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed on the situation, and a National Security Council representative acknowledged Israel’s actions as defensive. U.S. officials stated that although they were informed beforehand, the United States is not actively participating in the strikes.
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Additional U.S. forces previously deployed to the region are already stationed, with U.S. Central Command reporting the recent arrival of F-16 fighter jets from Germany.
According to Israeli media, the decision to target Iran was finalized Friday in a security Cabinet meeting. On Saturday, the IDF released footage of top military officials, including Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, overseeing the operation from the command center.
The strikes follow Israel's vow to retaliate for Iran's missile barrage on October 1, an attack launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in response to the deaths of senior figures from Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran.
Although Iranian state media showed scenes of normalcy, reports indicate Israel hit several Iranian military bases near Tehran. The U.S. reportedly secured assurances from Israel that its strikes would avoid nuclear or oil sites, instead focusing on military installations.
This conflict follows escalating violence since October 7, when Hamas launched an assault on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages.
Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has resulted in over 42,847 Palestinian deaths, with Israel attributing several thousand of these casualties to Hamas militants.
Hezbollah and Hamas, both labeled terrorist organizations by the U.S., U.K., and EU, remain active players in the conflict, with hostilities showing no immediate signs of resolution.
