Israel announced the launch of "precise strikes" on military targets in Iran on Saturday, in retaliation for attacks against it, as Iranian state media reported several explosions around the capital.
"In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel –- right now the Israel Defense Forces (Israeli military) is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran," the military said in a statement.
New blasts were heard around the Iranian capital later in the night. Continuous explosions and light trails were visible across the sky in central Tehran, according to AFP reporters.
British media outlet Sky News said Israel attacked sites used for the production of missiles and drones.
Israel had vowed, following Iran's October 1 missile attack, to hit back.
Since the deadliest attack in its history on October 7, 2023, Israel has been fighting Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza.
It has since broadened the scope of its operations to Lebanon, vowing to secure its northern border after nearly a year of cross-border attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah.
"Our defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilised," the Israeli military said in a statement.
Military spokesman Daniel Hagari in a separate statement called on the people to be "alert and vigilant".
“Strong Explosions”
Iranian state television said Saturday "strong explosions" were heard around the capital, though it did not specify the cause of the blasts.
"Minutes ago, the sound of strong explosions were heard from around Tehran, the source of these sounds is not yet clear," a state TV presenter said.
An AFP reporter also heard the explosions.
The Iranian news agency Fars reported that several military bases in western and south-western Iran had been targeted by Israel.
It added that no fire or explosions had been reported at a main oil refinery near Tehran.
Unconfirmed reports also said that several explosions were heard in the southern city of Shiraz, while Israeli channel 12 reported a fresh wave of Israeli strikes.
Iran's state medias subsequently denied any such development, claiming that the explosions heard were caused by air defenses in the north of the country.
Iran Issues a NOTAM
However, the Islamic Republic later announced a NOTAM (Notice for Airmen) in force until 9am Tehran time, effectively closing Iranian airspace, while Iraq announced a similar decision.
Israel also closed its airspace, according to Al Jazeera.
“We are following what is coming from Iran and its allies in the region,” Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a pre-recorded video message. “At this stage, we are making regular situation updates and there is no change in instructions to the command on the front,” he stressed.
Israeli media showed images and videos of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the various stages of the attack on Iran with the Israeli General Staff.
Quoting an Israeli official, Yediot Aharonot reported that the Israeli strike “achieved its objectives” and that Teheran “failed to intercept the missiles”.
Explosions Heard in Damascus
The United States said strikes by its ally Israel on military targets in Iran are "an exercise of self-defence" following the attack earlier this month.
US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said the "targeted strikes on military targets" are "an exercise of self-defence and in response to Iran's ballistic missile attack against Israel on October 1."
According to an American defense official quoted by AFP, the United States was informed in advance by Israel of its strikes against Iran, but Washington was not involved in this operation.
In a possible indication of the scope of Saturday's strike, Syrian state news agency SANA said Syrian air defences had intercepted what it described as "hostile targets" near the capital city, Damascus.
"Our anti-aircraft defence is confronting hostile targets in the skies around Damascus," SANA said on Telegram.
It also reported "sounds of explosions" in the vicinity of Damascus, though the origin of those blasts was unclear.
With AFP
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