Under the cover of darkness, Israel launched a massive airstrike early Saturday, sending more than 100 combat aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, from its bases. Israeli officials reported that the mission began with strikes on air defense systems and radars in Syria and Iraq, aiming to dismantle potential threats from Iran’s allies.
Cleared for Target: Striking Deep in Iranian Territory
Once the skies were secure, Israeli jets surged over 1,000 miles into Iranian airspace, targeting crucial air defense systems. A second wave zeroed in on Iran’s long-range missile production sites, specifically attacking components essential to missile manufacturing. Israeli sources emphasized that no energy infrastructure, like oil or gas sites, was hit—an agreement reportedly communicated to the Biden administration in advance.
Tehran Responds: Damage Control and Denial
Iranian officials attempted to downplay the impact, claiming its air defenses helped minimize damage. Iran confirmed that military sites in Tehran, Ilam, and Khuzestan provinces were struck, yet refrained from revealing full damage details. Israeli sources estimate roughly 20 key military sites were hit.
Mission Accomplished: Operation Wraps at Dawn
At approximately 6:00 AM local time, the Israeli military announced the operation’s conclusion. The strikes, documented by Arab sources, marked a powerful counterattack just 25 days after Iran’s ballistic missile assault on Israel.
Wave After Wave: Precision Strikes Target Iran’s Arsenal
For over three hours, Israeli Air Force jets unleashed a multi-wave assault on Iran, targeting Tehran’s military complexes, air defense systems, and missile production sites. Strikes extended to Iran’s Khuzestan and Ilam provinces, with the New York Times reporting that up to 20 military targets were hit. Despite U.S. warnings, Tehran downplayed the attacks as morning dawned, asserting its defenses were prepared.
The Air Raid Begins: Frantic Scenes in Tehran
At 2:00 AM, the first wave hit Tehran and neighboring Syria and Iraq, closing airspace across the region, reports Ynet. The IDF officially announced, “We are conducting precise military strikes in Iran, responding to ongoing Iranian aggression against Israel.” Frightened Iranian residents flooded the streets, fearing their capital’s airports were under fire. By 2:30 AM, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari declared Israel’s actions justified as “any sovereign nation would.”
Iran Downplays Damage, But Global Eyes Stay Fixed on Tehran
In the hours that followed, Iranian state media claimed the explosions were merely air defense intercepts. The BBC reported that while precise targets remained unclear, life in Tehran continued undisturbed, with Israel tight-lipped on the specifics of its military objectives. By 3:00 AM, President Joe Biden was fully briefed, and the Pentagon clarified it was aware of but not involved in the assault, reaffirming Israel’s coordination with U.S. intelligence.
Strategic Precision: Striking Iran’s Missile Production Heart
As the second wave swept in around 4:00 AM, Israel’s jets struck Iran’s surface-to-surface missile production facilities. According to Israeli sources, the strikes were exact, hitting critical, irreplaceable military factories. Around this time, images surfaced showing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in a command bunker, directing operations. The New York Times reported that by 5:00 AM, the strike on missile sites, UAV launch pads, and defense systems concluded.
Israel’s Message: “We Will Respond to Any Iranian Provocation”
By 6:00 AM, IDF jets had safely returned home after hitting strategic military targets deep within Iran in what Israel termed “Operation Days of Repentance.” The IDF stated, “Iran’s continued aggression will not go unchallenged,” vowing to defend its citizens. The U.S., meanwhile, issued a stark warning to Iran, standing fully behind Israel. By 6:30 AM, Iran finally admitted to “minimal damage” but claimed its air defenses largely neutralized the attack.
As the dust settles, Israel and the U.S. brace for potential retaliation from Iran, with the IDF remaining on high alert for any escalation in the region.
