Israel has confirmed that it launched “precise strikes on military targets in Iran,” though the specific sites hit and the extent of the damage remain unclear. This follows Iran’s recent launch of nearly 200 ballistic missiles on Israel, which was itself a response to Israeli strikes that killed several key figures, including Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Brig-Gen Abbas Nilforoushan of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. While Iranian state media downplayed the effectiveness of the Israeli strikes, experts suggest this is a typical response, and the true impact may only become clear later if reports of damage or casualties emerge.
“I can now confirm that we have concluded the Israeli response to Iran’s attacks against Israel. We conducted targeted and precise strikes on military targets in Iran — thwarting immediate threats to the State of Israel.”
Watch IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari talk about the… pic.twitter.com/1OOss3etpV
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 26, 2024
Meanwhile, explosions have also been reported in Syria, although Israel has not claimed responsibility for these. Syrian state media, supported by Reuters and AFP reports, said Syrian air defenses intercepted and shot down some missiles.
The U.S. has distanced itself from involvement in these strikes, with the Pentagon confirming no direct role. However, the White House framed Israel’s actions as an “exercise of self-defense,” and President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris are monitoring the situation. The U.S. had previously warned Israel to avoid striking nuclear and oil sites to prevent a broader conflict in the region.
