Israeli Military: "Iran Retaliation Attack Completed... Precision Strike Targeting Military Facilities"

Three Waves of Drone and Missile Strikes on Bases
NYT: "100 Fighter Jets Attacked 20 Military Facilities"
Iran Warns of Retaliation Against Israel with Proportional Response

Israel announced that it has completed a "precise and targeted airstrike" on Iran's military facilities. In response, Iran has warned of another counterattack, bringing the Middle East situation to another crisis.

On the 24th, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seen directing attacks on Iran's military targets at the Defense Ministry Command Center in Tel Aviv.
[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

Israeli media reported on the 26th (local time) that "three rounds of attacks on Iran were carried out."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also stated in a press release that the retaliatory strikes had been completed and that the fighter jets that took off after the Iranian operation had safely returned. Earlier, the IDF issued a statement at 2:30 a.m., shortly after the first attack, announcing missile strikes on Tehran, the capital of Iran, and surrounding military facilities. The IDF emphasized, "In response to months of ongoing Iranian attacks, we conducted precise strikes on Iran's military facilities," adding, "Israel has the right and obligation to respond."

They also condemned, "Iran and its proxy groups have continuously launched attacks against Israel since Hamas's surprise attack on October 7 last year."

The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli military named this operation the "Days of Repentance."

Iranian state TV reported six explosions immediately after the first attack. Following the first strike, Israel conducted a second attack on Tehran and southern Shiraz.

Iranian state TV announced after the second airstrike on Tehran that "the air defense system was activated in response to Israel's attack, causing the explosion sounds."

Tehran, Iran. [Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

The New York Times (NYT), citing Israeli officials, reported, "More than 100 unmanned drones and fighter jets were involved in this attack," adding, "The operation targeted about 20 military facilities inside Iran overnight and ended around 5 a.m."

The targets of the three rounds of strikes were concentrated on missile and drone bases and production facilities within Iran.

Despite the United States and Western countries urging Israel not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East, Israel reportedly considered attacks on Iran's nuclear and oil facilities. However, this retaliatory airstrike was limited to military facilities. This can be interpreted as a choice to avoid an expansion of conflict through direct confrontation.

The American internet media Axios reported that the second and third attacks focused on missile and drone bases and production facilities. Earlier, NBC News reported that the first attack targeted barracks and weapons warehouses near Tehran.

Fars, a semi-official news agency operated by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that Israel attacked several military bases in western and southwestern Tehran.

So far, the exact casualties on both the Israeli and Iranian sides resulting from this airstrike have not been confirmed.

Iranian authorities claimed to have repelled Israeli attacks in three provinces: Tehran, Ilam, and Khuzestan. However, they announced that limited damage occurred in these areas. Due to the ongoing airstrikes, Iran has currently suspended all aircraft operations.

Iran immediately warned of retaliatory strikes against the Israeli military's attack.

The semi-official Iranian Tasnim News Agency, citing officials, suggested a counterattack policy, stating, "There is no doubt that Israel will face a proportionate response to every measure it takes."

In response, the Israeli military also warned in a statement that if Iran carries out retaliatory strikes, it "will pay a heavy price."