Netanyahu: Israel struck hard Iran's 'industrial factories of death'

"Israel had the right to respond to Iran's Oct. 1 attack, we supported their right to do so. We believe Israel's response on Friday night should be the end of that matter, as the nature of their response was one that would be proportionate and not lead to any further escalation," US State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday.

"We believe Iran should not respond in any way. If Iran does respond, the United States will continue to defend Israel," he added.

Israel has planned another response to Iran following the Hezbollah drone attack on Netanyahu's residence, Israel's Channel 13 reports.

"Last night, the cabinet discussed Israel's reaction to the attack on Netanyahu's family at his home in Caesarea. Ministers were explicitly told that Israel's Saturday airstrikes on Iran did not include the response to this attack, and another response is expected," the report said.

The Channel 13 added that "several measures were presented to the ministers and the security system, and a decision is expected to be made soon."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Israeli Knesset on Monday that air strikes over the weekend severely weakened Iran and undercut its armed allies which the Jewish state has been fighting for over a year.

“We severely damaged Iran’s defense systems and its ability to export missiles,” he said. “These were not lathes we were attacking. These are industrial factories of death and we struck them hard.”

“We make decisions ourselves according to our interests and considerations,” Netanyahu added, in an apparent reference to any potential American role in moderating Israel's military ambitions.

“Our long-term strategy is to dismantle the axis of evil, to cut off its arms in the south and in the north, to exact a heavy price from Iran and its proxies and to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons,” he added.

Oil prices fell by nearly $5 a barrel on Monday after Israel's air strikes against Iran over the weekend spared oil and nuclear facilities and appeared not to be leading to an imminent escalation in the major oil producing region.

Both Brent and U.S. crude oil futures hit their lowest levels since Oct. 1 in early trading.

Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Monday that there is no need for the Islamic Republic to evaluate the Israeli attack on certain military targets in Iran.

He said, “The Israelis themselves are evaluating the effects of their operation, about which they ‘boast so much.’”

Ahmadian added, “The Israeli attack has had no impact on the military capabilities that were the target of this operation, and the power and strength of the Islamic Republic remain intact.”

In recent days, satellite images have been published of locations in Iran targeted by Israel, showing the extent of possible damage.

These targets include missile production sites, missile fuel mixing facilities, and locations related to nuclear weapons development.

Hassan Abutorabi, the head of public relations office of Iran’s Army, denied earlier remarks made by Mohammad Mokhtari-far, about the number of missiles launched by Israel.

“The figure given by Brigadier General Mokhtari-far on the number of missiles launched by the Zionist regime is incorrect,” he said.

Abutorabi added that Mokhtari-far retired from the Army Ground Forces several years ago and currently holds no position and has no access to information.

Iranian media quoted Mokhtari-far earlier in the day as saying that 600 missiles were fired at Iran during the Saturday attack. Iranian media described Mokhtari-far as the current deputy commander of the southwest headquarters of the Army.

Iran has not officially released any details about the Saturday’s attack.

China called for restraint in the Middle East on Monday, with foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian calling on all parties to avoid further escalation of tensions.

Lin emphasized China’s opposition to any infringement on other countries' sovereignty and security.

A commander from the Islamic Republic Army said Monday that 600 missiles were launched toward Iran in the Israeli attack.

Mohammad Mokhtari-far, the deputy commander of the southwest headquarters of the Army, added, "However, no harm came to the people. This demonstrates the robust military and defensive strength of Iran."

Iranian media said five people including four army personnel and a civilian were killed in Israel's airstrikes early Saturday.

Iraq has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations over Israel's use of its airspace to launch attacks on Iran.

Government spokesman Bassim Alawadi said that the letter condemns “the Zionist entity’s blatant violation of Iraq’s airspace and sovereignty by using Iraqi airspace to carry out an attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran on October 26.”

The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia was doing everything it could to try to facilitate attempts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East by urging restraint on all sides.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments when asked about the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Iran.

"Russia is maintaining contacts with all parties to this conflict. We have contacts with Tehran, and we have contacts with the Israelis and the Palestinians," Peskov told reporters.

"Russia is constantly doing everything possible to call on the parties to show restraint and to facilitate any attempts to de-escalate tensions.

"...There is still an extremely tense situation in the region and, of course, it is very important now to promote restraint in this regard."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Monday that the nature of Iran's response will be proportional to that of Israel's Saturday attack.

Tehran will "use all available tools" to respond to Israel's weekend attack on military targets in Iran, Baghaei added.

Speaking at a weekly televised news conference, Baghaei said, "(Iran) will use all available tools to deliver a definite and effective response to the Zionist regime (Israel)".

"The amount of information Israel gathered during the Saturday attack alone is equivalent to months of intelligence work," Israel's Channel 14 reported citing a senior Israeli security official. "Years of preparation and training cannot compare to a few hours of actual attack."

The report also discussed possible options for another potential Israeli attack on Iran, saying the targets include "reconnaissance and defense systems, facilities for the production and storage of aerial equipment, government centers, and even the elimination of senior IRGC commanders."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran will not leave the (Israeli) aggression unanswered," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Omani counterpart in a Sunday phone conversation, according to Iran's Foreign Ministry.

The Iranian readout of the call says Oman's top diplomat has condemned the Israeli airstrikes as "a violation of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

In a separate phone call with his British counterpart, Araghchi said the Iranian government "will not hesitate to exercise its inherent and legal right to defend its territorial integrity and national sovereignty, in accordance with accepted principles of international law and the UN Charter."

"The United States estimates that Iran is still able to respond to the Israeli airstrikes with the same magnitude as its October 1 attack, that is, launch hundreds of ballistic missiles against Israel," Israel's public broadcaster reported citing source with knowledge of the matter.

However, the report said, the US assessment is that the damage caused by the Israeli airstrikes to Iran's missile production capacity will affect the nature of the Iranian response.

A senior US official had earlier told Axios that "the Israeli airstrikes cripple Iran's missile production capability."

"One of the key targets Israel attacked in its retaliatory strike against Iran was 12 'planetary mixers' that are a critical component in Iran's ballistic missile program," Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported on Saturday citing three Israeli sources.

"The planetary mixers are used to produce solid fuel for long-range ballistic missiles, and their destruction severely damages Iran's ability to renew its missile stockpile," the report explained.

The Israeli sources speaking to Axios said that the mixers are highly sophisticated equipment that Iran cannot produce on its own and must purchase it in China. "Remanufacturing of the mixers could take at least a year."

"As part of Israel’s airstrikes on Iran early Saturday, some Israeli warplanes breached Iranian airspace," CNN reported citing one former and one current Israeli official.

About 100 Israeli aircraft took part in the mission, though not all of them entered Iranian airspace, the CNN report said.

The report comes one day after Iran International reported that Israeli F-35 jet warplanes had entered Iran's airspace for the first time and bombed targets near Tehran, according to an informed Israeli source.

Farzin Nadimi, a security analyst and a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, told Iran International that the risk of Israel’s attacks on military targets in Iran was low, but they achieved a "very significant result".

However, he emphasized that this attack should not be overestimated given its scope. "Had Israel intended to target Iran's air defense, including its command-and-control centers, it would have to carry out a more complex, prolonged, and riskier operation."

According to Nadimi, some of these targets are located "under mountains and underground," and attacking them is not possible solely with air-launched ballistic missiles."

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he had spoken to his Israeli and Iranian counterparts in separate calls on Sunday seeking to avoid escalation into a "catastrophic" regional war after Israel struck Iranian military sites.

"Today I held important calls with Israeli FM and Iranian FM. The UK continues to press for de-escalation and an end to the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza," Lammy said in a statement after a Israeli air attack early on Saturday against Iranian targets.

"A regional war would be catastrophic and is in no one's interests," he said.

Supporters of an Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic have taken to social media to express their frustration with Israel’s choice of targets in Saturday’s air strikes, excluding the political leadership.

Many Iranians invested their hopes in Israel in the past few months to help them overthrow the Islamic Republic by launching wide-ranging air strikes against it.

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"We drew upon only some of our abilities. We have the ability to do much more. We hit strategic systems in Iran… and we will see how things develop now. We are ready for all scenarios on all fronts,” the Israeli military's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said during a Saturday assessment, in a video just released by the IDF.

"Our message is a very clear message, and it is connected to the things that have happened across the Middle East in recent months. We know how to reach and hit any threat, in any place, at any time,” Halevi added.

Iran had received indications in the afternoon before the early Saturday attack, suggesting the possibility of an Israel assault, which made it certain about the matter, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday.

"We regularly exchanged signs and information with our friends in the military sector. Messages were also exchanged with various parties, and until the time of the attack, we followed through on the necessary actions and fulfilled our duty in this regard," he noted.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday said Tehran does not seek war but will defend the Iranian nation's rights and will give "an appropriate response to Israel's aggression."

"Iran has the right to respond to the Zionist regime's attack," he said.

The United Nations Security Council is expected to meet on Monday to discuss Israel's attack on Iran, Reuters quoted unnamed diplomats as saying on Sunday.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on the Security Council to meet over the attack and diplomats said the council was likely to discuss the situation on Monday.

In a letter to the UN Security Council on Saturday, Araghchi condemned Israel's actions, calling them a grave threat to international peace and security. He warned that Iran reserves the right to respond to these attacks in accordance with international law.

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon rejected Iran's complaint at the United Nations as "ridiculous", saying in a statement on Sunday that Iran was "trying to act against us in the diplomatic arena with the ridiculous claim that Israel has violated international law."

"As we have stated time and time again, we have the right and duty to defend ourselves and will use all the means at our disposal to protect the citizens of Israel," Danon said.

Israel’s security cabinet will meet Sunday at 7 pm local time in Tel Aviv, marking its first session since the Jewish state’s Saturday strike on Iran, The Times of Israel reported citing the office of a cabinet minister.

Iranian media announced that the official death toll from the Israeli attack on military targets in Iran has increased to five, following the death of Allahverdi Rahimpour.

Iran's state-run Mehr News reported that the fifth victim of the Israeli airstrikes was a civilian, but provided no further details. Meanwhile, the IRGC-affiliated Sabereen News says he was a security guard at a contractor company.

All earlier casualties have been confirmed as members of Iran’s traditional army. However, the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) has not provided any information regarding potential casualties among its personnel.

They are Mohammad-Mehdi Shahrokhi and Hamzeh Jahandideh, both working for missile units, as per the IRGC-linked Tasnim website, along with Sajjad Mansouri and Mehdi Naghavi.

According to analysis of satellite images cited by the Associated Press, the Israeli attack on Iran targeted a covert military base southeast of Tehran, which experts have previously associated with the country's nuclear weapons program, as well as another facility linked to its ballistic missile program.

Some of the damaged structures were located at Iran's Parchin military base, where the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has previously suspected Iran of conducting high-explosives tests that could potentially trigger a nuclear weapon. While Iran has consistently claimed that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the IAEA and various Western intelligence agencies assert that Tehran maintained an active weapons program until 2003.

Additional damage was reported at the nearby Khojir military base, which analysts believe conceals an underground tunnel system and missile production facilities.

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Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant briefed US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on Israel's Saturday strikes against Iran and discussed "strategic opportunities" arising from the operation, according to a statement by Gallant's office Sunday.

"Gallant discussed initial assessments regarding the success of the strikes against missile manufacturing facilities, surface-to-air missile arrays and Iranian aerial capabilities," Gallant's office said.

"Minister Gallant also discussed the strategic opportunities that have risen as a result of operational achievements, in both the northern and southern arenas," the statement added.

Israel’s Saturday attacks on Iran destroyed air-defense systems protecting critical oil and petrochemical refineries, as well as systems guarding a large gas field and a major port in southern Iran, according to three Iranian and three senior Israeli defense officials cited by The New York Times.

The targeted sites included defenses at the Bandar Imam Khomeini petrochemical complex in Khuzestan Province, the nearby economic port Bandar Imam Khomeini, and the Abadan oil refinery, as well as defense systems in Ilam Province at the Tange Bijar gas field refinery, the officials said.

Iran’s reformist front has condemned Israel's attack, describing the operation as falling short of expectations after weeks of hype following Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel.

The group said that Iran now holds a strategic advantage, with regional support against the Israeli operation. 

“Israel’s reckless attack on some of Iran’s military sites on Saturday night, while causing some damage and resulting in the martyrdom of several members of Iran’s army, was far below the level Israel had been promoting for weeks and did not serve as an effective response to Iran’s remarkable operation,” read a statement by the group.

Israel hit hard Iran's ability to defend itself and to produce missiles when its air force struck two nights ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.

"The air force attacked throughout Iran. We hit hard Iran's defence capabilities and its ability to produce missiles that are aimed at us," Netanyahu said in a speech.

"The attack in Iran was precise and powerful, and it achieved all its objectives," he said.

He emphasized that Israel’s war is not against the Iranian people, but with the Islamic Republic.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that the US involvement in Israel's operation is completely clear for Tehran, adding that the US provided a designated flight path for Israeli fighter jets.

“The least the US did was granting an air corridor to Israel’s air force,” he said.

Speaking about Iran’s diplomatic measures, he said, "Last night, I submitted a letter to the UN Secretary-General, officially recording this incursion on Iranian soil and requesting an urgent Security Council session.”

During Sunday’s parliament session, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf praised the effectiveness of Iran’s military defenses, saying that Israel’s recent actions only highlight its vulnerability.

He added that, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran reserves the right to respond as part of its legitimate right to self-defense. Any retaliation will be decisive and calculated, he went on to say.

“Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defense shall be immediately reported to the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security,” reads Article 51.

Hossein Shariatmadari, the editor of the flagship hardliner newspaper -- which is funded by the Supreme Leader, urged a swift response to Israel’s recent attack, dismissing suggestions to refrain from retaliation.

In an editorial, he argued that hesitating to respond would only encourage further aggression from the US and Israel, describing such restraint as an open invitation to future attacks against Iran.

In his first response to Saturday’s Israeli attack on Iran’s military installations, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei struck a cautious tone, refraining from an outright call for retaliation.

In a statement on X, Presidential Advisor Mohammad Javad Zarif urged Western nations to shift from their paradigms and condemn Israel’s recent aggression.

“The West should move away from its outdated and dangerous paradigm. It must condemn Israel’s recent acts of aggression and join Iran in efforts to end the apartheid, genocide, and violence in Palestine and Gaza, and in Lebanon,” Zarif said about two days after Israel’s airstrikes on missile sites and anti-aircraft capabilities in and around the capital Tehran and in Iran's southwest.

He called on global powers to support Iran’s efforts to end the violence in Gaza, and Lebanon, emphasizing that recognizing Iran's commitment to peace represents a unique opportunity that should not be missed.

“Recognizing Iran’s confident resolve for peace is essential; this unique opportunity should not be missed.”

In his first response to Saturday’s Israeli attack on Iran’s military installations, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei struck a cautious tone, refraining from an outright call for retaliation.

“The malicious act by the Zionist regime two nights ago should neither be exaggerated nor underestimated. The Zionist regime’s miscalculations must be disrupted, and the power, will, and initiative of the Iranian nation and its youth must be made clear to them,” Khamenei stated.

Despite being Iran’s commander-in-chief with control over security and foreign policy, Khamenei appeared to distance himself from decisions on a potential response. According to Tasnim News, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, Khamenei emphasized, “It is up to the officials to determine how best to convey the strength and resolve of the Iranian nation to the Zionist regime, and whatever is in the best interest of this nation and country should be carried out.”

Commercial satellite imagery showed that Israeli airstrikes hit buildings during an attack on Saturday that Iran used for mixing solid fuel for ballistic missiles, according to separate assessments by two American researchers.

The judgments were reached by David Albright, a former UN weapons inspector who heads the Institute for Science and International Security research group, and Decker Eveleth, an associate research analyst at CNA, a Washington think tank.

They told Reuters separately that Israel struck Parchin, a massive military complex near Tehran. Israel also hit Khojir, according to Eveleth, a sprawling missile production site near Tehran.

Reuters reported in July that Khojir was undergoing massive expansion.

Eveleth said the Israeli strikes may have "significantly hampered Iran's ability to mass produce missiles."

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said in his first reaction to the Israeli airstrikes, "Let the enemies of Iran know that these valiant people stand fearlessly in defense of their land and will respond to any act of foolishness with wisdom and intelligence."

He also offered his condolences on the deaths of four Iranian soldiers in the strikes. "The sons of Iran sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation's borders. I offer my condolences for the martyrdom of the brave patriots to the courageous members of the army, the dedicated forces of the law enforcement, their esteemed families, and the heroic people."

A Hebrew caption on a new mural installed in Tehran's Palestine Square reads, 'Another storm is coming,' according to images published by Iran's state-run media, hours after Israeli airstrikes against multiple Iranian military sites.

The first 'storm' is believed to refer to the October 7 attack launched by Iran-backed Hamas militants, during which around 1,200 Israelis were killed. That operation was dubbed 'Al-Aqsa Storm' or 'Al-Aqsa Flood'.

Iran's First VP Mohammad-Reza Aref called Israel's recent attack an "act of aggression" and said: "The aggressor should expect a response. We will respond appropriately to the aggressor’s mischief at the right time and under the right circumstances."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has, in letters to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and members of the Security Council, called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss the Israeli airstrikes against Iran, according to state-run media.

In the letters, Araghchi stressed that Tehran reserves the right to respond to the Israeli attacks at an appropriate time.

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday reaffirmed her country's desire for de-escalation following Israeli airstrike against Iran.

“We're also very adamant that we must see de-escalation in the region going forward, and that will be our focus,” she said, telling reporters she just discussed the issue with Biden and their national security aides.

“Of course, we maintain the importance of supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.”

Israeli F-35 fighters entered Iranian airspace for the first time in raids earlier on Saturday, an informed Israeli source told Iran International, adding that they flew over Tehran and bombed targets in the area.

"The United States was not a participant in this operation. It's our aim to accelerate diplomacy and de-escalate tensions in the Mideast region," White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said.

"We urge Iran to cease its attacks on Israel so that this cycle of fighting can end without further escalation," the spokesperson added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday his country chose its targets in Iran based on its own national interests, not according to what was dictated by the United States.

Iran's mission to UN on Saturday accused the United States of complicity in the Israeli airstrikes, saying Israel's warplanes attacked several Iranian military and radar sites from the Iraqi airspace which "is under the occupation, command and control of the US military."

IAEA Director-General Grossi says Iran’s nuclear facilities have not been impacted by the Israeli airstrikes. "IAEA inspectors are safe and continue their vital work." Grossi called for "prudence and restraint from actions that could jeopardize the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive materials."

"One of the key targets Israel attacked in its retaliatory strike against Iran was 12 'planetary mixers' that are a critical component in Iran's ballistic missile program," Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported on Saturday citing three Israeli sources.

"The planetary mixers are used to produce solid fuel for long-range ballistic missiles, and their destruction severely damages Iran's ability to renew its missile stockpile," the report explained.

The Israeli sources speaking to Axios said that the mixers are highly sophisticated equipment that Iran cannot produce on its own and must purchase it in China. "Remanufacturing of the mixers could take at least a year."

"The Israeli airstrikes cripple Iran's missile production capability," Axios quoted a senior American official as saying.

Axios also confirmed an earlier report by The New York Times about the targeting of Iran's S-300 air defense batteries, citing Israeli sources as saying, "Four S-300 air defense batteries that were in strategic locations and protected Tehran and nuclear and energy facilities in Iran were also attacked."

A factory for the production of drones was also targeted in the Israeli airstrikes, the report said, adding that Israel conducted a "symbolic" strike on a facility in the city of Parchin that was used in the past for the research and development of nuclear weapons.

The Israeli prime minister's office on Saturday denied a report by Axios about Israel's message of warning to Iran before the overnight attack.

Israel had not provided any information to the Islamic Republic regarding the timing, targets, or intensity of the attack, it said.

Axios earlier reported that Iran had been warned by Israel in advance not to respond to the airstrikes on its military sites.

"The Islamic Republic is trying to downplay the intensity of Israel's attacks... Essentially, the idea of revenge has been removed from the political rhetoric of its leaders, and they are not looking to show a reaction," political analyst Jamshid Barzegar told Iran International.

The recent Israeli attack appears to be a "temporary endpoint" to the tensions between the two countries, and we are unlikely to see any direct confrontation between them until the upcoming US elections, he added.

The General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces announced in a statement on Saturday that "enemy aircraft, using the space provided by the US military in Iraq and from a distance, launched several long-range air-launched missiles towards some border radars in the provinces of Ilam, Khuzestan, and around Tehran province."

The statement says the Israeli army aircraft "launched a number of long-range air-launched missiles, which have a very light warhead equivalent to about one-fifth of the warheads of Iranian ballistic missiles."

The General Staff of the Armed Forces added that the Israeli attacks resulted in "limited and minimal" damage due to the "timely performance of the country's air defense," and "several radar systems were damaged, some of which were immediately repaired, while others are in the process of being repaired."

The statement emphasized the Islamic Republic's right to provide a "legal and legitimate response at the appropriate time," while also stressing the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

"Israel must pay for violating Iran's territorial integrity. Iran's response will be carried out at the best time, considering all aspects and in line with national interests," IRGC general Esmaeil Kowsari noted on Saturday.

"We advise the Zionists to practice living in shelters," said Kowsari, who sits on the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee.

US President Joe Biden on Saturday said it appeared Israel had only struck military targets in its attack on Iran, and that he hoped they were "the end."

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Saturday said he was "deeply alarmed" by the escalation of violence in the Middle East after Israel carried out deadly air strikes in Iran.

Guterres "urgently reiterates his appeal to all parties to cease all military actions, including in Gaza and Lebanon," his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement, calling for "maximum efforts to prevent an all-out regional war and return to the path of diplomacy."

"The Islamic Republic has no limits in defending its interests and territorial integrity, and we will defend not just every inch but every centimeter of our land," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with the official website of Iran's Supreme Leader.

Araghchi emphasized that the Iranian government will continue its policy of confronting Israel with determination.

Referring to his recent trips to regional countries, Araghchi added: "No one should try to test the will of the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic of Iran to defend itself. This was the message conveyed to all these countries."

"We will defend the ideals of the Islamic Republic and stand firm on all of these ideals," he added.

India has voiced deep concern over rising tensions in the Middle East after Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Saturday, saying, “We are deeply concerned by the evolving escalation in West Asia and its ramifications for peace and stability in the region and beyond. We reiterate our call to all concerned to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.”

The MEA further noted, “The ongoing hostilities are to nobody’s benefit, even as innocent hostages and civilian populations continue to suffer. Our Missions in the region are in contact with the Indian community.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released video and photos showing F-15 and F-16 fighter jets departing for strikes on Iran conducted last night. The images feature some of the four female navigators from Israeli Air Force squadrons who took part in the operation.

According to the IDF, dozens of aircraft, including fighter jets, refuelers, and spy planes, participated in the strikes, which took place approximately 1,600 kilometers from Israel. The aircraft returned safely following what the military described as a complex operation.

Following the Israeli airstrikes on Iran, the EU has called for all involved parties to act with restraint to prevent further escalation.

"While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, the EU calls on all parties to exercise utmost restraint to avoid an uncontrollable escalation, which is in no one’s interest," the EU stated in a Saturday release.

It further said, "The EU remains fully committed to lowering tensions and contributing to de-escalation and, to this end, remains in close contact with all relevant actors."

The death toll from Israel’s overnight airstrikes on Iran has risen to four, according to Iranian media. All casualties have been identified as members of Iran’s army. They are Mohammad-Mehdi Shahrokhi and Hamzeh Jahandideh, both working for missile units, as per the IRGC-linked Tasnim website, along with Sajjad Mansouri and Mehdi Naghavi.

Various countries have reacted to Israel's strikes on Iran. Switzerland condemned the escalation of violence in the Middle East, specifically noting the airstrikes on Iran, and urged all parties to de-escalate tensions.

Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attacks, calling for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and reduce regional tensions.

The Taliban condemned Israel's strikes on military targets in Iran, saying that these actions would further intensify violence in the Middle East.

The CEO of Imam Khomeini Airport City in Tehran refuted reports of damage to the airport's air defense system, calling the report "completely false." Saeed Chalandari said that Imam Khomeini Airport is a passenger facility without any air defense systems. This follows a New York Times report, citing two Iranian officials, who told Israel targeted the Russian-made S-300 air defense system at the airport.

While the Islamic Republic’s establishment downplays Israel’s air strikes as ineffective and praises Iran’s air defenses, many hardliners are pushing for a retaliatory response—one that risks triggering further reciprocal attacks.

Details of the Israeli attack are still unclear. The only certainty is that the air strikes targeted air defense systems and missile production facilities, but exactly how many targets were hit and what the damage was, has not yet been disclosed.

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A video circulating on social media reveals damage from Israeli airstrikes on a building in Shamsabad Industrial City, Tehran Province. The building reportedly belongs to Taksaz Industrial Innovators, a company specializing in engineering services and equipment manufacturing, according to its website.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Israel informed Germany about its "precise and targeted attacks" on Iranian military sites in response to recent missile attacks on Israel.

Scholz wrote that efforts were made to minimize personal injuries, adding, "This offers the opportunity to avoid further escalation."

In a post on X, Scholz addressed Iran, saying, "We cannot continue with massive reactions of escalation. This must end now." He also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, stressing, “The same applies to Lebanon. UN Resolution 1701 remains the benchmark… We expect Hezbollah to withdraw behind the Litani River."

Russia voiced concerns over an “explosive escalation” following Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian military targets. “We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint, stop the violence, and prevent events from developing into a catastrophic scenario,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Earlier, Sky News Arabia reported that Russia had alerted Iran hours before the strikes.

Esmail Kowsari, an ultraconservative lawmaker and former IRGC general, commented on Israel's attacks on Iranian targets, saying, “Our armed forces will respond to Israel with greater determination, strength, and resolve, and this response will come at the appropriate time.”

Abolfazl Zohrevand, a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee, said that Israel’s attack was "symbolic and superficial," but emphasized that the Islamic Republic reserves the right to respond, adding that this response would be designed differently from previous operations.

Following Israel’s airstrikes on the Islamic Republic early Saturday, several Iranian citizens shared videos with Iran International, capturing scenes from various cities. Many citizens blamed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for the current situation in Iran.

In messages sent to Iran International, some described being jolted awake by explosions and held Iran’s leader accountable for the turmoil and public distress. They emphasized that the Islamic Republic shows little regard for citizens' lives.

Member of the Israeli Knesset, Avigdor Liberman praised the Israeli Air Force’s precision and professionalism in targeting Iran’s military sites but argued that the strikes failed to “exact a real price” from Iran. In a post on X, he stressed that Iran would persist in its nuclear ambitions and continue funding groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.

Liberman criticized the Israeli government for being “content with showmanship” and urged stronger action reflecting Israel's strength. He recently pointed to a Hezbollah drone incident near Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence as proof of Iran’s unchecked aggression, calling for strikes on Iran’s strategic facilities and leadership.

Iranian media published images of two individuals killed in Israeli strikes. The army identified the casualties as Major Hamzeh Jahandideh and Sergeant Major Mohammad Mehdi Shahrokhifar. Hamshahri reported that Hamzeh Jahandideh was killed in Mahshahr, south of Iran.

The New York Times reports that Israel’s overnight strikes included targets like the S-300 air defense system at Imam Khomeini International Airport near Tehran and at least three IRGC missile bases, as confirmed by Iranian officials. Drones also hit the Parchin military base on Tehran’s outskirts.

Strategic analyst Hossein Aghaie told Iran International that Israel chose limited targets in Iran, influenced by recommendations from the US and regional Arab countries.

Aghaie explained that Israel conducted the operation to reinforce its operational freedom and prepare for potential future actions if necessary.

He added that the attack on military facilities revealed Iran's air defense as ineffective against Israeli strikes, adding, “Israel managed to maintain its deterrence advantage, even with limited objectives.”

Iranian MP Ahmad Ajjam, a member of the National Security Commission of Parliament, commenting on the Israeli attacks on targets in Iran, said, "We have the right to defend ourselves and will respond accordingly. However, we will adhere to a key principle: we will not act with hesitation or haste."

Likewise, MP Hamid Rasai wrote on X, saying, "The Islamic Republic must respond as it has declared, but not at the same level; instead, we should adopt the strategy of 'for every one you strike, you will receive ten in return.'"

"As the Supreme Leader has said, we will neither hesitate nor act hastily. What is logical, reasonable, and correct will be executed by the military and political decision-makers in due time, just as it has been done in the past and will be done again in the future if necessary," MP Malek Shariati was quoted as saying by domestic media on Saturday.

In a statement on Saturday, following the overnight Israeli attacks on targets in Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Iran is "entitled and obligated to defend against foreign aggressive actions, based on the inherent right of self-defense, which is also reflected in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasizing the use of all material and spiritual capabilities of the Iranian people to defend its security and vital interests, also acknowledges its regional peace and security responsibilities. It highlights the individual and collective responsibility of all countries in the region to safeguard peace and stability," the statement read.

No military aircraft from any conflicting regional parties were permitted to enter Jordanian airspace, an armed forces source told Jordanian state media on Saturday, following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military targets.

The CEO of Iran Grid Management Company said on Saturday that the overnight airstrikes in Iran had no impact on the national power grid, which has "remained fully stable and operational under normal conditions nationwide."

The CEO of Abadan Oil Refining Company in southern Iran said that no missiles or shells were fired at the refinery, and "all oil facilities are intact and fully operational."

"The sound that residents heard was the air defense firing. There is no issue at the Abadan refinery," Hakim Ghayem said on Saturday.

Several Iranian domestic media outlets report that Hamzeh Jahandiddeh, a member of Iran’s armed forces, was among those killed in Mahshahr during the overnight Israeli strikes.

In a statement issued Saturday, Hamas condemned the Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites, describing them as "a blatant violation of Iran's sovereignty."

"We commend the vigilance of Iran's air defenses and their effective response to the Zionist attack, which successfully neutralized its impact. This action reinforces the stance of free nations, their courageous resistance, and their struggle against Zionist and American dominance," the statement read.

The Pakistan Foreign Office condemned Israel's overnight strikes on Iran, labeling it a "dangerous escalation" in the region. It called on the UN Security Council to take immediate action to halt what it described as Israeli "recklessness," urging global intervention to prevent further destabilization.

The Iranian army said in a statement that two of its forces were killed during the overnight Israeli attack on military sites in Iran.

"Last night, two of our fighters made the ultimate sacrifice while confronting missiles launched by the criminal Zionist regime," the statement said, though it withheld the identities of the individuals.

On Saturday, the United Arab Emirates condemned the military targeting of Iran, stressing the importance of exercising "maximum restraint" to prevent escalation, following Israeli airstrikes on military sites in Iran.

"It is essential that the public remains calm," government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said following Israeli overnight attacks on military sites in Iran.

"As the official statements from the national air defense indicate, only limited damage has been incurred," she continued.

"The country is currently in a normal state, and even flights have resumed regular operations as of 9 a.m.," Mohajerani added.

The Emirati airline flydubai canceled flights to Iran, Jordan, Iraq, and Israel and diverted others on Saturday, a company spokesperson confirmed, following Israeli strikes on military targets in Iran.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iran to refrain from retaliating to the overnight Israeli strikes, calling for restraint from all sides.

"I am clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression. I'm equally clear that we need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all sides to show restraint. Iran should not respond," Starmer said on Saturday.

"The Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran was more a reflection of their fear and retreat than a display of power," Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Expediency Council and former IRGC commander, tweeted on Saturday following Israeli overnight attacks on Iranian military sites.

The White House has expressed the belief that the overnight Israeli attack on Iran should mark the conclusion of direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran.

According to the New York Times, a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the Israeli airstrike as extensive yet precise, with the strikes intended to effectively deter future Iranian attacks.

Iraq has announced the reopening of its airspace and the resumption of flights, the state news agency INA reported on Saturday, citing the Ministry of Transportation. This follows a brief suspension, which Iraq had attributed to heightened regional tensions.

"Iran's strength will humiliate and weaken the enemies of our homeland," Iran's Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref tweeted Saturday following Israeli attacks on Iran's military sites overnight.

The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency, quoting an anonymous informed source, reported that no IRGC military facilities in Tehran were targeted.

"The Israeli military's claim of targeting 20 locations within the country is inaccurate, and the number of enemy targets is significantly lower than this figure," according to the outlet.

"The Israeli attack "was carried out from outside the country’s borders and caused limited damage," Tasnim added.

The spokesperson for Tehran Oil Refining Company said on Saturday that it was not targeted during the Israeli overnight airstrikes.

“There has been no attack on this refinery’s facilities, and production at this refining unit is continuing as normal,” Shaker Khafaei told domestic media.

Saudi Arabia on Saturday condemned the military targeting of Iran as a "violation of its sovereignty" and international laws, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint. The kingdom also called on the international community to take decisive steps toward de-escalation and the resolution of regional conflicts.

The spokesperson for Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced that flights will return to normal as of 9 a.m. local time, following Israeli overnight attacks on military sites in Iran.

The US on Saturday called on Iran to cease its attacks on Israel to break the cycle of violence, following Israeli overnight strikes on military sites in Iran.

"We urge Iran to cease its attacks on Israel so that this cycle of fighting can end without further escalation," US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett told reporters.

"Their response was an exercise in self-defense and specifically avoided populated areas and focused solely on military targets, contrary to Iran's attack against Israel that targeted Israel's most populous city," he added.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Saturday that the objectives of the overnight operation against Iran were successfully achieved.

“The reprisal strike was completed, and its objectives were achieved,” Hagari said during a press conference.

The IDF operation targeted Iranian missile manufacturing facilities and air defense batteries, according to Times of Israel.

“Now, Israel has broader freedom of action within Iran. Iran struck Israel twice... and has paid the price for that,” he said.

“We remain focused on the objectives of the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. It is Iran that continues to push for broader regional escalation,” Hagari added.

Iran's Ministry of Education spokesperson announced that schools nationwide are open on Saturday, with “educational activities proceeding as usual.”

The Iranian National Air Defense Headquarters issued a statement on Saturday confirming Israeli airstrikes targeting military installations in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces.

“The nation’s integrated air defense system effectively intercepted and countered this hostile action, though limited damage was reported in select locations,” the statement read, adding that “the scope of the incident remains under thorough investigation.”

The news outlet Axios is reporting that Israel sent a message to Iran ahead of its retaliatory airstrikes warning the Iranians not to respond, three sources with knowledge of the issue told reporter Barak Ravid.

The Israeli military said in a statement:

"A short while ago, the IDF completed precise and targeted strikes against military targets in a number of areas in Iran. Our planes have safely returned home.

The strike was conducted in response to the attacks by the Iranian regime against the State of Israel and its citizens in recent months. The retaliatory strike has been completed and the mission was fulfilled.

Based on intelligence, IAF aircraft struck missile manufacturing facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran fired at the State of Israel over the last year. These missiles posed a direct and immediate threat to the citizens of the State of Israel.

Simultaneously, the IDF struck surface-to-air missile arrays and additional Iranian aerial capabilities, that were intended to restrict Israel's aerial freedom of operation in Iran."

Israel's public broadcaster said the country's operation against Iran had concluded after three waves of strikes.

Israel's attacks in Iran had ended by about 5 AM Israeli time after hitting around 20 sites during the night, the New York Times reported citing two Israeli officials.

A spokesperson for Iran's aviation authority has announced that there will be no flights to or from Iran until further notice.

CNN says the Israeli attack against Iran may last “several more hours”. First explosions were heard in Tehran just after 2 am local time. A second wave of blasts were reported three hours later.

The video appears to show flying objects intercepted by Iran's defense system over capital Tehran on early Saturday.

Saturday is the first day of the week in Iran. Iranians will be starting their week with two rounds of Israeli air strikes. No official reaction yet from Tehran.

A second wave of explosions were heard over Tehran in a video obtained by Iran International.

Israel's attack on Iran was expected to last a single night, ABC news reported citing a source.

There were as yet no Israeli casualties or damage to war planes reported, the source added.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, Reuters reported citing a US defense official says.

No details on the contents or length of the call were disclosed.

A US official said in a statement received by Iran International: "The United States is not participating in this Israeli military operation."

New sounds of explosions were heard in Tehran according to the official Mizan News agency.

Blasts were also heard in the southwestern cities of Ahvaz and Abadan in Khuzestan province, residents told Iran International, as Israel appeared to carry out a second wave of attacks in Iran.

i24 News reported that 140 warplanes took part in recent Israeli airstrikes targeting sites in Iran.

A video released by the Israeli government shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu overseeing air strikes against Iran.

Omid Memarian, journalist and political analyst, commented on recent Israeli airstrikes, saying that while the extent of the attacks remains unclear, they reportedly involved precise hits on military bases.

Memarian added in an interview with Iran International TV that in the past, the Islamic Republic has often concealed or downplayed significant military strikes against its facilities.

He said that if Iran’s leaders and IRGC commanders minimize the impact or costs of these attacks, it could signal a desire to reduce tensions and avoid a military response.

Iran has closed its airspace until 9:00 a.m. local time on Saturday (1:30 a.m. Eastern Time). During the attacks, however, Iran’s airspace was open, and the flight-tracking site Flightradar24 showed at least four flights over Iran.

Alerts for suspected drones have been activated in the Israel northern coastal cities of Nahariya and Acre, the Times of Israel reported.

Israel is launching a second wave of air strikes on Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported citing a US official.

Israel notified officials in the US administration of President Joe Biden before carrying out air strikes on Tehran, a US official cited by The New York Times said.

The official declined to say how much warning was given, the newspaper reported.

A video obtained by Iran International shows an explosion near the grave of Rouhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, in Kahrizak, south of Tehran.

An Iranian citizen is heard saying, "Army warplanes are flying over Tehran," in a video obtained by Iran International.

"Iran's claim that the explosions were the result of air defenses responding to the Israeli airstrikes is a lie," Ynetnews reported citing an Israeli official.

A group of Iran International viewers reported internet disruptions in Tehran and Karaj amid the ongoing Israeli strikes.

IRNA, citing Tehran emergency sources, reported that as of 3:22 a.m. Saturday (local time), “no incidents” requiring emergency assistance had been reported in the capital or surrounding areas.

Tasnim News, affiliated with the IRGC, reported that no missiles or strikes have hit IRGC military sites in west and southwest Tehran. The sounds heard were from army air defenses engaging Israeli actions at three points around Tehran, reported Tasnim.

Unverified social media footage circulated by the Jordan News Agency appeared to show Israeli jets flying over the country en route to Iran.

The IDF released a photo of Chief of Staff Lt. General Herzi Halevi directing strikes on Iran from the Israeli Air Force command center, alongside IAF Chief Major General Tomer Bar.

Israeli media, citing their sources, reported that during Friday night attacks on Iran, Israel bombed air defense radars in Iraq and Syria, as well as military sites in Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the Defense Minister and top military officers as the country carried out an air attack on Iran on Friday, according to handout image to Israeli media.

Fars News website, affiliated with the IRGC, reported that several military bases in the west and southwest of Tehran were targeted by an Israeli attack. The report mentioned that some of the sounds were from anti-aircraft fire.

“We’re targeting things that might have threatened us in the past or could do in the future,” NBC news quoted an Israeli official saying

Israel is not striking Iranian nuclear facilities or oil fields and is focusing on military targets, NBC cited the official saying.

US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement on Friday: “(Israel's) targeted strikes on military targets ... (are) an exercise of self-defense and in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack against Israel on October 1.”

Loud sirens were heard in the Sadeghiyeh (Aryashahr) neighborhood in western Tehran as Israel began its airstrikes, according to a video obtained by Iran International.

Syrian state TV SANA cquotes orrespondent saying "Our air defenses are confronting hostile targets in the skies around Damascus."

A video sent to Iran International by a citizen shows a huge fire in Eslamshahr, southwestern Tehran, amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes.

Citizens in Tehran and Karaj have flocked to gas stations following Israel's strikes on Iran.

Open-source live airline maps appeared to show almost no civilian aircraft in the skies between Israel and Tehran as the Jewish state confirmed it had begun air strikes.

Israeli military Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a video recording posted on X:

"In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel – right now the Israel Defense Forces is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran.

The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since October 7th – on seven fronts – including direct attacks from Iranian soil.

Like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and the duty to respond.

Our defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilized.

We will do whatever necessary to defend the State of Israel and the people of Israel."

Citizens have shared images of firefighting trucks dispatched to western Tehran near Shahriar. Other photos show fires and smoke rising from various locations across Tehran.

A US official told Iran International that Israeli airstrikes on the Islamic Republic began hours ago and are still underway. Earlier, reporters from Axios and Fox News also reported the start of Israeli attacks on Iran.

Iran's state TV confirmed some strong explosions around Tehran. Several Iranian domestic media outlets also confirmed hearing explosion sounds in Tehran and Karaj.