• Source:JND
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Israel-Iran War: Israel retaliated against Iran on early Saturday, carrying out air strikes against several military targets inside the country, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said. Multiple Iranian media reports also confirmed the explosions at various locations in the capital, Tehran. The Israeli counterattack came weeks after Iran fired a missile barrage, using over 200 projectiles, against it, setting the stage for an imminent counterattack.

The Iranian October 1 attack, which it said was targeted at Israel's key military assets, came in response to the killing of Tehran's ally - Nasrallah of Hezbollah. The Middle East tensions first simmered last year when Hamas launched a brutal attack against Israel on October 7, killing over 1200, including several civilians.

In a message posted on the social media website X, IDF chief Herzi Halevi said that the attack on Iran was launched to counter relentless attacks on Israel.   

"In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel—right now the Israel Defense Forces is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran. The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since October 7th—on seven fronts—including direct attacks from Iranian soil," Halevi said.

"Like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and the duty to respond. Our defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilized. We will do whatever is necessary to defend the State of Israel and the people of Israel," he added. 

The US said that the latest strikes did not include energy infrastructure or nuclear facilities. Several Western Media reports are saying that Israeli airstrikes might just be a one-day affair.

Meanwhile, reports indicated that air defence systems around the residence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have been activated in order to protect him from any harm.

IRAN PLAYS DOWN STRIKES

Iranian state TV quoted a military spokesman as saying the explosions heard in Tehran were linked "to air defence systems reacting to efforts by the Zionist regime (Israel) to attack three locations outside the city of Tehran."

US Warns Iran Against Retaliation 

The United States Biden administration on Saturday said that Israel's strikes on Iran should end the direct exchange of fire between the two arch-rivals while warning Tehran of “consequences” should it respond.

Saudi Condemns Israeli Action

Meanwhile, another major power in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia issued a statement on Saturday, condemning the Israeli airstrikes in Tehran. It labelled them as a "violation of its sovereignty" and an infringement on international law. The Kingdom urged all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint, emphasizing the need for diplomatic measures to prevent further escalation.