Israel launches airstrikes on 'military targets' in Iran

The Israeli army launched the series of airsrtikes on Iran late Friday night, targetting missile-making facilities, surface-to-air missiles, and other military targets, AFP reported on Saturday.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strikes were in response to "months of attacks" by the Iranian government, specifically citing the 200 ballistic missiles fired at Israel on October 1, 2024.

"We conducted precise strikes on military targets in Iran," said the Israeli military in a statement. 

The IDF targeted missile manufacturing facilities that "produced missiles used to attack Israel".

However, Iranian state TV reported a different story, stating that "the loud blasts heard around Tehran were due to the activation of the air defense system against against the actions of the Zionist regime."

Iranian media assured that life was continuing as normal, with no damage reported at a main oil refinery near the capital. 

The Tasnim News Agency also stated that the bases of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that were attacked were not damaged.

A citizen in Tehran, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, described hearing at least seven explosions that "shook nearby areas".

The US had previously warned Israel to avoid targeting nuclear and oil sites, which could escalate regional conflicts. 

The attack came after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel of a more "painful response" to any future attacks.

Earlier, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian called the October 1 missile attack a decisive response, cautioning Israel not to engage in conflict. 

On the other hand, The White House defended Israel's actions, calling the strikes "an exercise of self-defense" in response to Iran's ballistic missile attack. 

Iraq's transport ministry suspended flights across all airports due to regional tensions.

Reacting to the attack, Iran said that it is prepared to respond to any Israeli "aggression".

"There is no doubt that Israel will face a proportional reaction for any action it takes," Tasnim quoted the sources as saying.