In response to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s recent actions against Israel, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) conducted a high-intensity air operation early this morning. The operation, which extended for four hours and involved more than 100 planes, targeted over 20 sites, including missile production centres, UAVs, and radar stations situated within Tehran, Khuzestan and Ilam provinces. Reports indicate the operation unfolded in three successive waves, with the first wave neutralising Iran’s radar and air defence systems, while the following waves involved F35 fighter jets targeting crucial military infrastructure.
Kamal Panhasi, a Farsi-speaking spokesperson for the Israeli army, confirmed the attacks and remarked: “In response to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s recent strikes on Israel, our planes have hit various locations across Iran with full precision, targeting missile, UAV, and radar facilities. Israel has now secured an expanded operational freedom over Iran, having achieved all primary objectives. Further targets are marked for any subsequent action if necessary.”
Footage circulating on X (formerly Twitter) suggests significant damage in Tehran, including in Parchin (nuclear-related facilities northeast of Tehran), the IRGC headquarters in southern Tehran, and another IRGC military site in Sadeghieh, located in the west of the capital. In southwest Tehran, the Amir al-Momenin defence centre saw the reported deaths of Officer Shahrokhifar and Officer Jahandide, two Iranian army members.
Iranian sources have pushed back against claims that over 100 Israeli planes struck 20 sites, labelling the reports as exaggerated and part of a “psychological operation” by Israel. However, some military facilities have confirmed limited but notable damage.
Hours ago, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a condemnation of Israel’s attacks, affirming Iran’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and asserting its intention to protect its national security.
Meanwhile, an Israeli source, speaking to the Washington Post about the Saturday morning operation, stated that Israel carefully planned the attack to minimise casualties, giving Iran an opportunity to “downplay” substantial damages and “manage” the situation.
Axios reported that Israel had previously cautioned Iran via the Netherlands on Friday, urging Iran not to further escalate the conflict. While the Netherlands has neither confirmed nor denied the message’s delivery, this was an unusual diplomatic route.
Sky News reported, citing an informed source, that Russia alerted Iran about imminent Israeli and US military movements in the region hours before the operation. This alert, according to Sky News, was intended to “reduce regional tensions”.
The Mehr News Agency, citing Israeli sources, previously reported that a delegation from Vladimir Putin’s administration visited Israel earlier this week. Additionally, it was noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched a special envoy to Moscow to engage with Russian officials in preparation for the planned air operations in Iran.
