Over 100 Israeli Jets Strike Iran: ‘Operation Days of Repentance’ Ignites Regional Tensions

Israel launched “Operation Days of Repentance,” deploying over 100 fighter jets in three waves of airstrikes on Iranian military sites early Saturday, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. The operation was a response to Iran’s recent ballistic missile attacks on Israel, with Israel targeting over 20 strategic sites in and around Tehran. The U.S., informed in advance but not involved, urged both nations to avoid further escalation, as Iran hinted at a proportional response.

CONTENTS:

• Israel strikes Iran amid escalating conflict.
• Israel strikes Iran; tensions escalate further.
• Israel launches airstrikes; tensions escalate dramatically.

Over 100 Israeli Jets Strike Iran: ‘Operation Days of Repentance’ Ignites Regional Tensions

Israel strikes Iran amid escalating conflict

Over 100 Israeli Jets Strike Iran: ‘Operation Days A new series of explosions shook Iran’s capital, Tehran, early Saturday as Israel launched targeted attacks on military sites in Iran, citing retaliation for the ballistic missile attacks Iran directed at Israel earlier in the month. Although Iran claimed only minor damage from these strikes, the attacks raise the likelihood of full-scale conflict between the two regional rivals amidst broader Middle Eastern hostilities, including Iran-aligned groups such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon already in combat with Israel.

This marks Israel’s first overt military action against Iran since the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. Over 100 Israeli fighter jets participated, with three consecutive waves of strikes directed at Iranian defense, missile, and drone installations. These sites reportedly supply resources to regional proxy groups, some of which pose direct threats to Israel.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, representing Israel’s military, stated in a video announcement that Iran, along with its regional allies, has “relentlessly attacked Israel since October 7,” affirming Israel’s “right and duty” to respond to such provocations. Israeli representatives emphasized the strikes were carefully aimed at military targets, avoiding nuclear and oil facilities.

Following the strikes, Iran closed its airspace, and nearby countries, including Iraq, grounded flights in response to growing regional tensions. Syrian military sites were also struck by missiles, though Syrian air defenses reportedly intercepted several.

Israel has since concluded its retaliation, with Rear Adm. Hagari affirming that “immediate threats” to the nation had been neutralized through “targeted and precise strikes.” Iran’s initial missile attack against Israel was framed as a response to Israeli actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. U.S. officials, who had prior notification but no operational involvement, described Israel’s response as proportional and minimized risk to civilians.

President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed, and the U.S. expressed its hope for a de-escalation of direct hostilities. However, Israel cautioned Iran against further actions, emphasizing that it would face serious consequences if further aggression ensues. The international community remains highly alert to the situation, urging both nations to exercise restraint to prevent a broader escalation of conflict.

Israel strikes Iran; tensions escalate further

Over 100 Israeli Jets Strike Iran: ‘Operation Days Early Saturday, October 26, 2024, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian military sites, declaring the action as a targeted response to Iran’s October 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel, which involved around 200 missiles—the second such direct assault by Iran on Israel within six months.

Israel’s military characterized the operation as a “precise strike on military targets in Iran.” Residents in Tehran reported hearing explosions, though Iranian authorities downplayed the damage as “limited.” Throughout Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden received updates on the developing situation from National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and the White House acknowledged Israel’s actions, noting that the strikes were intended to conclude the exchange of direct attacks between the two countries. However, the U.S. warned Iran of “consequences” if it chose to retaliate.

Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has halted all flights indefinitely, as reported by IRNA, the state news agency. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett urged Iran to cease its attacks on Israel to prevent further escalation, emphasizing that Israel’s actions were self-defensive, focused exclusively on military targets, and avoided populated areas—unlike Iran’s previous missile strike, which targeted a densely populated Israeli city.

The U.S., not involved in the operation, stated its aim is to pursue diplomacy and stabilize the Middle East to prevent further violence.

Israel launches airstrikes; tensions escalate dramatically

Over 100 Israeli Jets Strike Iran: ‘Operation Days On Saturday, Israel initiated “Operation Days of Repentance,” a direct airstrike campaign targeting Iran in response to what it described as “months of continuous attacks” from the Iranian regime. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted three waves of precise strikes over Tehran and nearby areas, focusing on military targets. Iranian officials stated that their air defenses successfully countered the attacks, but admitted to “limited damage” at some sites. Hours later, Israel announced it had achieved its objectives, though an Iranian source warned of a “proportional response” to what it termed Israel’s “aggression.”

The strikes began after 2 a.m., with Iranian media reporting multiple explosions in Tehran and nearby Karaj, with residents hearing at least seven explosions in the initial wave. Israeli media indicated that over 100 fighter jets targeted military sites across more than 20 locations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were stationed at military headquarters in Tel Aviv during the strikes. While initial speculation suggested Israel might target oil or nuclear facilities, the attacks focused exclusively on military bases west and southwest of Tehran.

In response, Iran canceled flights on all routes indefinitely, and Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights. Iraq’s transport ministry also suspended flights across the country due to regional tensions.

The U.S. was notified of the operation in advance but did not participate, describing the strikes as self-defense. President Biden has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely. The IDF confirmed that targeted facilities included missile production sites implicated in Iran’s attacks on Israel. The operation follows Iran’s October 1 missile attack, where approximately 180 ballistic missiles struck Tel Aviv and Israeli airbases.

Simultaneously, Israel launched attacks on multiple locations in Iraq and Syria. Explosions were reported in the Iraqi cities of Tikrit, Baiji, Samarra, Al-Dour, and Diyala, as well as in several military sites in southern and central Syria.