Iranian state media has reported explosions in and around Tehran, but details about the targets remain unclear. It is still uncertain whether Israel successfully hit its intended sites. While some news outlets close to the Revolutionary Guards suggested military bases were targeted, Iranian media appears to be downplaying the impact of these strikes.
The full extent of what happened is expected to be revealed gradually by Iranian authorities. Israel may provide more information about the attacks soon, but this might depend on whether it plans to carry out further operations.
The Pentagon confirmed to BBC that the U.S. was aware of Israel’s plans in advance but did not participate in the operation. This aligns with Washington’s efforts to prevent the conflict between Israel and Iran from escalating into a broader confrontation. The U.S. is also waiting to see if Israel’s strikes were limited to military targets or if they extended to facilities related to Iran’s nuclear program, which could provoke a significant response from Tehran.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to receive updates on the Israel Defense Forces’ strikes on military targets in Iran. Secretary Austin reaffirmed the ironclad commitment of the United States to Israel’s security and right to self-defense. The Secretary emphasized the enhanced force posture of the United States to defend U.S. personnel, Israel, and partners across the region in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and the U.S. determination to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region.
