Iran reported that its air defence systems successfully intercepted hostile targets in Tehran’s airspace early on Saturday.
Iranian media confirmed that six loud explosions were heard, prompting the defence systems to activate across three different sites to counteract the incoming threat.
A security source disclosed to Iranian outlets that the air defence activity was part of the swift response, indicating that Tehran’s defences performed effectively during the incident.
On Saturday morning, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced “precise strikes” on Iranian military targets, a month after Tehran’s launch of approximately 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel.
“Right now, the Israel Defence Forces are conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran,” stated IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. He continued, “I would like to inform you at this late hour that the IDF is currently conducting precision strikes against military targets in Iran. These operations are in response to the Iranian regime’s continued attacks against Israel in recent months and are being carried out under the direction of the political leadership.”
The IDF stated that the strikes were in response to “repeated attacks” from Iran and its affiliates since 7 October, and Israel “has the right and duty to respond.”
“The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentless in attacking Israel since October 7th on seven fronts, including direct attacks from Iranian soil. Like any other free state in the world, Israel has the right and the obligation to respond,” the statement added.
IDF forces were “fully mobilised” for both defensive and offensive actions, with a pledge to “do whatever is necessary to defend the state of Israel and the people of Israel.”
The military escalation marks yet another intensification in an increasingly volatile Middle East, where tensions now spread beyond Gaza and Lebanon, further destabilising the region.