Israel Launches Direct Strikes on Iran After Missile Attack, Raising Fears of Regional War

Israel launched direct militarymilitary strikes on Iranian targets early Saturday in response to an earlier ballistic missile attack by Iran, intensifying concerns that the ongoing tensions between the two nations could lead to a wider regional conflict.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes targeted “precise” military locations within Iran. Iranian state media reported several explosions in Tehran on Saturday morning, though details remain limited.

An Israeli military source confirmed that the targets excluded Iranian energy infrastructure.

The decision to launch these strikes came after weeks of internal discussions within Israel’s security cabinet, with officials debating both the necessity and scale of a potential response.

The strikes are part of a calculated strategy by Israel to focus on what it described as strictly military objectives, Israeli officials told CNN.

The escalation marks a significant moment in the long-standing confrontation between the two powerful militaries, with tensions reaching new heights in recent weeks. Observers now worry that this latest exchange could spark broader unrest across the Middle East.

Iranian state media reported explosions in and around Tehran, though specific targets remain unclear, and there’s no confirmation yet of Israeli strikes.

News outlets close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards indicated that military bases were targeted, though Iranian media appears to be downplaying the impact so far.

Details of the events are expected to emerge gradually from Iranian authorities, while Israel may reveal more based

on its intentions for further strikes. The Pentagon confirmed the U.S. was briefed on Israel’s plans but was not involved, aligning with Washington’s efforts to prevent escalation towards a broader conflict.

The U.S. is also monitoring closely to determine if Israel targeted only military facilities or extended strikes to nuclear-linked sites, which could prompt a strong response from Tehran. So far, available information suggests Israel may have moderated its attack strategy in light of U.S. caution against extensive retaliation.