Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran early on Saturday, in retaliation for Tehran’s missile attacks on 1 October, warning Iran that it would “pay a heavy price” if it responds.
Two Iranian soldiers, Hamze Jihandideh and Mohammad Mehdi Shahrokhifar, were killed during Israel’s attacks, the Iranian army said. The Revolutionary Guard Corps named Mehdi Naqvi and Sajjad Mansouri as the latest casualties of the attack.
Israel’s military said it struck missile manufacturing facilities, missile arrays and other systems in several regions.
Iran’s air defence force confirmed an Israeli attack had targeted several military bases in Tehran and other parts of the country.
“This fake regime (Israel) attacked parts of military centres in Tehran, Khuzestan and Ilam provinces,” it said in a statement, adding that the attack “caused limited damage” while being intercepted.
According to Axios, Israel reportedly sent a message to Iran on Friday ahead of its retaliatory airstrikes warning the Iranians not to respond.
Sources told the US website that Israel “would conduct another more significant attack, especially if Israeli civilians are killed or injured,” should Tehran respond to Saturday’s strikes.
Israel’s retaliation against Iran, its regional arch-foe, has been expected for weeks amid fears that it will escalate conflict in the Middle East, amid Israel’s continued indiscriminate attack on Gaza, as well its invasion of Lebanon.
Israeli forces have now besieged the Kamal Adwan Hospital in north Gaza and opened fire at staff and patients, leaving two children dead, and several staff injured, according to the Gaza health ministry.
Israeli forces are continuing their deadly military operation against the Jabalia refugee camp, where hundreds of civilians have been killed this month.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes targeted the Ansar, the Jezzine, Nabatieh and Sour areas , according to local media.
