In a significant military operation dubbed "Days of Repentance," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a series of precision strikes against military targets inside Iran, marking a direct response to Iran's recent attacks on Israel.
The operation began in the early hours Saturday morning as explosions were first reported near Tehran, followed by additional strikes in Syria. The military campaign quickly expanded to include multiple waves of attacks targeting missile production facilities, air defense systems, and ground-to-ground missile launchers across several regions in Iran, including Isfahan, Mashhad, and Kurdistan.
Dozens of fighter jets, intelligence aircraft, and refueling planes participated in the operation, striking targets more than 1,600 kilometers (1,200 miles) from Israel. The IDF confirmed that all aircraft returned safely to their bases following the mission's completion.
The White House acknowledged the operation, stating they understood Israel was conducting focused strikes against military targets in Iran as an act of self-defense. During the operation, US Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, who was at his private residence in Delaware, received regular updates on the developments.
Iran initially attempted to downplay the damage, claiming no Revolutionary Guards facilities were hit, while temporarily closing its airspace to civilian flights. Iraq also suspended civilian aviation operations across all its airports during the operation.
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari later announced the completion of Israel's response to Iran's attacks, emphasizing that the military had successfully neutralized immediate threats to Israel. He warned that any further escalation by Iran would be met with a decisive response, demonstrating Israel's capability to act decisively anywhere in the Middle East.
The operation was unanimously approved by Israel's Diplomatic-Security Cabinet, with the US receiving advance notice hours before the aircraft departed. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin maintained communication throughout the operation to coordinate ongoing efforts.
While Israel remains prepared for potential Iranian retaliation, the IDF has not issued any new Home Front Command instructions, suggesting no immediate expectation of an Iranian response.
The following is a breakdown of the key events during the operation:
1:50 a.m. - Initial reports of explosions in Tehran area
1:58 a.m. - Reports of explosions heard in Syria
2:08 a.m. - Syrian television announces activation of air defense systems
2:11 a.m. - US media outlets announce: "Israel has begun its retaliatory strike on Iran"
2:20 a.m. - First documentation appears on social media showing explosions near military facilities in Tehran area
2:30 a.m. - IDF Spokesperson officially announces: IDF currently conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran
2:50 a.m. - First images emerge from the war room in the Kirya. Prime Minister, Defense Minister, IDF Chief of Staff, and Air Force Commander leading the Iran operation
3:20 a.m. - White House: We understand Israel is conducting targeted strikes against military targets in Iran, actions of self-defense
3:30 a.m. - Iranians attempt to minimize damage, claiming no Revolutionary Guard facilities were hit
3:32 a.m. - White House: Vice President Kamala Harris briefed on Israeli strikes in Iran and closely monitoring developments
3:38 a.m. - Foreign reports of explosions in Isfahan, Mashhad, and Kurdistan regions across Iran
3:50 a.m. - White House: President Biden is at his private residence in Delaware and has been updated on Israeli strikes
4:00 a.m. - Iran temporarily closes its airspace to civilian flights
4:04 a.m. - Alerts of hostile aircraft infiltration in Western Galilee
4:15 a.m. - Iraq halts civilian aviation activity across all airports
4:20 a.m. - Israeli sources confirm to Wall Street Journal: Israeli attack being conducted in waves, second phase now beginning
4:20 a.m. - Wall Street Journal: Defense Minister and US Secretary of Defense held conversation
4:28 a.m. - Iranians report: Air defense systems activated, explosions heard in Tehran
4:35 a.m. - False alarm alerts of hostile aircraft infiltration in Western Galilee
4:58 a.m. - Iranian news agency quotes regime officials claiming: "Iran is ready to respond to Israel's aggression"
