Israel Launches Retaliatory Airstrikes on Iran Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Israel carried out airstrikes on multiple targets in Iran early Saturday, keeping its promise to respond to a missile attack from three weeks ago.

Reports suggest explosions rocked Tehran in the first wave, followed by more strikes in Shiraz involving dozens of Israeli fighter jets.

There were no immediate reports of casualties. Israel’s military stated, “In response to continuous attacks from the Iranian regime, the Israel Defense Forces are targeting military sites in Iran.”

They emphasised Israel’s “right and duty” to respond.

These strikes follow Prime Minister Netanyahu’s promise to retaliate after Iran launched around 200 missiles at Israel on October 1.

Iran claimed it was responding to Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The back-and-forth attacks between Israel and Iran raise fears of a direct conflict. While the U.S. and allies recognise Israel’s right to self-defense, they have tried to prevent further escalation that could lead to a wider war.

The strikes came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Middle East, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and asking Israel to show restraint with Iran.

The U.S. is concerned that attacks on Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities could worsen the situation, potentially affecting global energy markets.

Recently, Israel has intensified actions against Hezbollah, especially after the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike in Beirut and the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza.

Last year, on October 7, Hamas launched a cross-border attack into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping 250.

The incident sparked a prolonged conflict, leading to the deaths of over 42,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Hamas-controlled territory, who don’t distinguish between civilians and combatants.