Early Saturday, Israel launched airstrikes on military targets in Iran, following Tehran’s recent ballistic missile barrage of approximately 200 rockets aimed at Israel, as confirmed by the Israeli military.
Reports indicated multiple explosions near Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. The United States is not involved in the current military action, and President Biden remains in Wilmington, Delaware, with no plans to convene in the Situation Room, the New York Post reports.
The IDF released a video statement:
"In response to two months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the state of Israel, the situation has escalated significantly. >Currently, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting precise strikes targeting military installations within Iran. The Iranian regime, along with its regional proxies, has been persistently attacking Israel since October 7, engaging on seven different fronts, which includes direct assaults originating from Iranian territory. Like any other sovereign nation, Israel asserts its right and obligation to defend itself against these aggressions. The IDF's defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilized, indicating a state of readiness to respond effectively to threats. Israel emphasizes its commitment to take all necessary actions to protect both the state and its citizens from ongoing hostilities."
The Israel Defense Forces previously vowed a "serious and significant" response to Iran's attack, with Friday night’s airstrikes marking an unusual direct assault on the Islamic Republic.
Iran had fired dozens of missiles toward Israel on October 1 in reaction to the recent assassinations of Hezbollah founder Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, and an Iranian general. Although some missiles targeted Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, many were intercepted before causing significant damage.
US President Joe Biden "has been briefed and is closely following the developments" according to CBS.
