Iran accused Israeli airplanes of hitting several Iranian military and radar stations from Iraqi airspace, some 70 miles from its border, only hours after Israel conducted a drone strike on an Iranian military facility. It said that the United States is involved in these operations and emphasized that the US military occupies and controls this Iraqi airspace.
In response to an October 1 ballistic missile launch by Iran, Israeli troops carried out targeted attacks on Iranian military facilities early Saturday. Since October 7, Iran and its proxies have attacked Israel on many fronts, including direct attacks from Iranian land, according to the Israeli military. As a sovereign state, Israel reaffirmed its duty and right to react.
Following Israeli military assaults on Iranian military sites in retaliation for attacks by Iran and its proxies, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, said that the country’s defense operations had “no limits.”
‘Pivotal Moment’: Israel’s National Unity Leader Gantz Says Strikes Against Iran
Israel’s National Unity Party chairman, Benny Gantz, said recent attacks on Iranian military and defense sites had a big effect. He called the assaults a turning point in Israel’s continuing war with Iran, a new stage that lays the groundwork for further moves. In addition, Gantz emphasized Israel’s “security superiority” in the area and the need of cooperation with allies, especially the US.
“Dangerous Escalation” Is the Warning Hezbollah Issues
Hezbollah has warned of a “dangerous escalation” in the area and blamed the recent Israeli assaults on Iran entirely on the United States. Seeing it as a major escalation that impacts the whole region, the Lebanese organization issued a statement denouncing what it described as “treacherous Zionist aggression” against Iran. Hezbollah further said that the US has responsibility for the tragedies and suffering brought on by these acts.
UN Chief Antonio Guterres Calls for an End to Violence
After Israel’s fatal airstrikes on Iran, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his profound concern about the growing bloodshed in the Middle East. According to Stephane Dujarric, his spokesperson, he urged all sides to immediately cease military operations, including those in Gaza and Lebanon.
Iran Has Added Four Military Deaths
At least four Iranian army men have already been killed, according to state media, after two more were injured in Israeli airstrikes earlier on Saturday. All four of the victims were air defense personnel, according to the Iranian state-run news agency IRNA.
President Biden Demands Conflict End
According to the White House, the President emphasized in a recent phone conversation the need of safeguarding US soldiers and helping Israel fight against any Iranian reprisals. This order demonstrated the administration’s resolve to protect its troops and stand by its friend in the face of escalating regional tensions.
Lloyd Austin Restates the United States’ Unwavering Commitment to Israel’s Security
Following Israel’s attacks on Iran early Saturday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the US is focused on avoiding additional escalation in the Middle East. Following the incident, he spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and wrote on X that the US military has a stronger presence in the area.