In the early hours of Saturday morning, Israel executed a long-anticipated retaliatory strike against Iran, marking one of the most significant escalations in the region in recent years. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted precise strikes on strategic military targets, including facilities involved in the manufacturing and launching of drones and ballistic missiles, as well as air defense systems. Reports of powerful explosions near Tehran began circulating around 2:15 a.m. local time, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) swiftly confirming the operation in response to ongoing Iranian attacks.
The strikes, launched over several hours and waves, hit targets across Iran, including in Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Iran temporarily closed its airspace as the assault unfolded, showing little ability to counter the sustained attack. The operation, titled “Days of Repentance” in reference to the recent Yom Kippur holiday, demonstrated unprecedented scale, precision, and Israel’s immediate acknowledgment of responsibility for the offensive.
The first wave of attacks targeted Iranian air defense capabilities to ensure the freedom of Israeli aircraft during the operation and prepare for any potential retaliatory moves by Iran. Subsequent waves focused on sites responsible for producing and launching drones and missiles used in Iranian attacks on Israel on April 14 and October 1. While Iran claimed that its air defenses mitigated much of the damage, Israel firmly dismissed these assertions, emphasizing the success of the operation.
By 6 a.m., the Israeli military announced the completion of the assault, with “all goals achieved” and all participating aircraft safely returned. The IDF stated that dozens of IAF aircraft, including fighter jets, refueling tankers, and reconnaissance planes, participated in the complex operation, targeting sites over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from Israel. The strikes have reportedly expanded the IAF’s operational freedom in Iranian airspace, giving Israel a broader range of future targets.
The IDF stressed that the attack was a direct response to “months of continuous attacks” by the Iranian regime on Israel, specifically pointing to Tehran’s actions since October 7, when Iranian-backed forces opened up multiple fronts against Israel. “Like every other sovereign nation, the State of Israel has the right and duty to defend itself,” the IDF declared, adding that Israel is fully prepared to respond to any further escalation.
Following the strikes, the Israeli military held an assessment on potential Iranian responses, although no immediate changes were made to civilian guidelines. IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari made it clear that Israel’s offensive and defensive capabilities are fully mobilized, warning that any further aggression from Iran would be met with severe consequences. “Iran has struck Israel twice, and now they have paid the price,” Hagari said. He emphasized that while Israel remains focused on its campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, it will not hesitate to confront Iran if the regime continues to push for a broader regional conflict.
A senior Israeli official praised the intelligence behind the operation, calling it “beyond imagination” and comparing the precision of the intel to something out of science fiction. Israel’s defense leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, closely monitored the operation from IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, underscoring the high level of coordination involved in the assault.
As Israel remains on high alert for any potential retaliation, the message from its military leadership is clear: those who threaten the State of Israel will face decisive and overwhelming force.
After the strike, the IDF released a video showing F-15 and F-16 fighter jets heading out to carry out their mission.
