In a statement on X, Iranian official Masoud Pezeshkian extended condolences to the families of four individuals killed in recent attacks and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to self-defense. “Enemies of Iran should know these brave people are standing fearlessly in defense of their land and will respond to any stupidity with tact and intelligence,” Pezeshkian stated.
The Israeli military reported that its airstrikes targeted facilities linked to Iran’s missile production capabilities, as well as surface-to-air missile sites. In response, Iranian officials claimed that the strikes resulted in only “limited damage,” with state-run media downplaying their impact.
Iran’s foreign ministry issued a statement asserting its right to defend against foreign aggression, stating that it “considers itself entitled and obligated” to respond to such actions. Late Saturday, Iran’s military released a carefully worded statement indicating that any potential ceasefire in Israel’s ongoing ground offensives in Gaza and Lebanon would take precedence over retaliatory strikes.
According to the military, the strikes were aimed at military installations in the Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran provinces. U.S. President Joe Biden remarked that Israel had informed him of the strikes beforehand and indicated that they appeared to target military sites exclusively. His administration had previously secured assurances from Israel that it would refrain from attacking nuclear facilities and oil installations in Iran.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the decision to avoid targeting “strategic and economic targets,” arguing on X that “we could and should have exacted a much heavier price from Iran.” This sentiment reflects ongoing debates within Israeli politics regarding the nation’s military strategy in the region.
International reactions varied, with Britain and Germany urging Iran to refrain from retaliatory actions. A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General condemned all acts of escalation, asserting that they must cease immediately.
The situation in the region remains tense, as Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza on Saturday night reportedly killed at least 22 people, including 11 women and two children, according to Palestinian medical officials. Israel has been conducting an extensive air and ground offensive in Gaza for the past three weeks, following claims that Hamas militants had regrouped in the area.
As the conflict escalates, the potential for further military confrontations looms, with both sides on high alert and international calls for restraint intensifying.