On October 26, reports emerged confirming that Israel has initiated “precision strikes” against Iranian military targets in response to what officials describe as ongoing attacks from Iran over the past few months.
The Prime Minister’s office released photographs of Prime Minister Netanyahu meeting with Defense Minister Gallant and several military commanders in an underground bunker at a military base on the same day. Following the Israeli military’s announcement, multiple Israeli media outlets reported that the country had launched a second round of attacks against Iran. According to sources cited by ABC News, the strikes are ongoing and are expected to be completed overnight.
In an early morning report, local media from Iran indicated that loud blasts were heard near Tehran. The Fars News Agency also reported strikes targeting several military bases located in the western and southwestern regions of the capital on the same day, although there have been no confirmed casualties from these attacks yet.
CNN has quoted Israeli military sources stating that the targets for the strikes do not include energy infrastructure. Additionally, the Associated Press reported that Iran has closed its airspace as of early October 26. Flight tracking data showed that commercial airlines have largely vacated airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
Reuters noted that, according to a U.S. official, Israel informed the United States of its planned strikes against Iranian targets before carrying them out, and the U.S. did not participate in the operation.
In a statement, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby highlighted that the United States recognized Israel’s actions as defensive measures in retaliation for Iran’s launch of ballistic missiles toward Israel on October 1.
On that date, it was reported that Iran had fired missiles at military targets within Israeli territory, with Israel promising to respond.
