Israel described the attack as a response to “months of continuous attacks” from Iran and its proxies
By Kehinde Okeowo
Israel has launched direct airstrikes on military targets in Iran in response to what it said were months of attacks by “Iran and its proxies” in the region.
According to The Guardian, at least seven explosions were reported over Iran’s capital, Tehran, and nearby Karaj just after 2.30am local time on Saturday.
Israeli jets were said to have struck what were described as “military targets” in Iran.
Fresh blasts were reportedly heard around Tehran on Saturday shortly after the earlier ones.
There were continuous explosions and light trails were visible across the sky in central Tehran, according to the report.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the attack, describing it as “precise strikes on military targets in Iran” in response to “months of continuous attacks” from Iran against Israel.
Iran’s military also confirmed the strikes targeted at military bases in the provinces of Ilam, Khuzestan and Tehran, saying they caused “limited damage”.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have described Israel’s attacks on Iran as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and a violation of international laws and norms.
“The Kingdom affirms its firm position in its rejection of the continued escalation in the region and the expansion of the conflict that threatens the security and stability of the countries and peoples of the region,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement
Riyadh also urged all parties to “exercise the utmost restraint and reduce escalation”, warning of the ramifications of continuing military conflicts in the region
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry on its part released a statement, labelling the strikes as “clear violation of international law” that “seriously undermine regional security”.