Israel Launches Airstrikes Against Iran in Retaliatory Attack

Early Saturday, the Israeli military announced that it had begun airstrikes on Iran in response to nearly 200 Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Israel.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strikes targeted military installations in Iran, including barracks, offices, and weapons depots near Tehran.

In a statement released at 2:30 a.m., the military noted it was “conducting precise strikes on military locations in Iran,” emphasizing that this action was a reaction to more than a year of assaults on Israel by Iran and its regional allies.

The situation has been particularly tense since October 7th, with direct attacks from Iranian soil on multiple fronts. The Israeli government emphasized that, like any sovereign nation, it has the right and duty to defend itself and its people.

The White House reported that President Biden has been receiving updates from his national security team about Israel's military actions and is closely monitoring the situation as it develops.

U.S. officials confirmed that the U.S. had no involvement in the operation.

Iran’s civil aviation authority has suspended the country's airspace until 9 a.m. on Saturday, which is about four hours from now.

Explosions were reported near Tehran and Karaj, with Iranian state media confirming the sounds of blasts in the capital. The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that the situation in Tehran, including at key airports, remained normal despite the strikes.

Residents reported hearing explosions in the early morning hours.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has declared that Iran will continue targeting Israel if found necessary.