Israel "Retaliates with Strikes on Iranian Military Facilities"... Middle East Conflict Crisis (Comprehensive)

Statement on "Response to Months-Long Sustained Attacks on Israel"

Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on Iranian military facilities. The already deteriorating situation in the Middle East has once again reached a critical point.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to the AP News on the 26th (local time), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement saying, "In response to months of Iranian attacks, we are conducting precision strikes on Iranian military facilities."

The IDF condemned, "Israel has the right and duty to respond," adding, "Since Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7 last year, Iran and its proxy groups have continuously launched attacks against Israel, including direct attacks from Iranian territory."

Earlier, local media including Iran's state TV reported hearing several large explosions in the capital Tehran and nearby Karaj city.

An Iranian intelligence official explained on state TV, "The loud explosions may have been caused by the activation of Iran's air defense system."

AP News reported that it is not yet clear which Iranian military facilities were targeted.

US CBS News, citing officials, reported that Israel's strikes were limited to military facilities and did not target nuclear or oil facilities.

The White House was reportedly informed of the strikes just before Israel's retaliatory attack.

Israel's retaliation against Iran was carried out 25 days after the previous incident.

Tehran, Iran. [Photo by Reuters]

On the 1st, Iran launched about 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, claiming it was retaliation for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Palestinian armed group Hamas, and Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

In response, Israel confirmed its policy of counterattacking Iran and has been considering the timing and method of further retaliation.

In particular, the US military relocated F-16 fighter jets from Germany to the Middle East the day before, raising speculation that Iran's retaliatory attack against Israel might be imminent.

Previously, the two countries exchanged attacks once each in April.

US internet media Axios reported regarding Israel's attack that the US and Israeli governments hope that Iran's military response will be limited and that no further retaliatory attacks will follow.

The White House stated that Israel's airstrikes are part of a "self-defense measure."