End of Israel's Retaliatory Attack on Military Targets of the Islamic Republic; 'Precise and Targeted' in Three Phases

The Israeli army announced on Saturday morning, November 5, coinciding with sunrise in Iran, that its 'precise and targeted' attacks on military targets of the Islamic Republic in various regions of Iran had concluded, and Israeli aircraft successfully returned to their bases. The Israeli army described these attacks as a response to a recent attack by the Iranian regime on Israel, stating, 'The mission was successfully completed.' In explaining the attacks on the morning of November 5, the Israeli military noted: 'Based on available intelligence, Israeli Air Force fighters targeted missile production facilities in Iran. These facilities were used to manufacture missiles that had been fired at Israel over the past year and posed a direct threat to Israeli citizens. Additionally, ground-to-air missile systems and other aerial capabilities of the Iranian government, designed to limit Israel's air operational freedom, were also targeted.' The Israeli army added: 'In this phase, we attacked strategic targets deep within Iranian territory using our offensive operational capabilities, but if the Iranian regime continues its attacks, we reserve the right to defend our citizens and are still assessing the situation and preparing for subsequent defensive and offensive actions.' On the morning of Saturday, November 5, Israeli defense forces launched extensive attacks against military targets of the Islamic Republic in Iran. These attacks, which the Israeli army stated were in response to Iranian missile attacks on Israel on October 1, were carried out in several waves with the participation of over 100 fighter jets. According to the Jerusalem Post, the operation focused on key military infrastructure of the Islamic Republic, including missile and drone production facilities, ballistic missile launchers, and air defense systems. Israeli sources indicated that these attacks were aimed at weakening the military capabilities of the Iranian government and preventing future attacks. The attacks coincided with reports of massive explosions heard in Tehran and several other cities. Some news sources also reported the activation of the Islamic Republic's air defense systems and sporadic clashes. Meanwhile, Iranian state media attempted to downplay the significance of these attacks, emphasizing that oil and petrochemical facilities were not targeted. While state media sought to minimize the importance of Saturday morning's Israeli attacks, some domestic news sources confirmed that several military bases in Tehran and the western part of the country were hit. Additionally, Iran's air defense activated in some areas, with reports of explosions in Parchin and Kermanshah. However, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization closed the country's airspace two hours after the start of the Israeli attacks, suspending domestic and international flight operations. Iraq also halted all its flights due to regional tensions. While state media attempted to portray normal operations at Mehrabad and Khomeini airports, field reports indicated flight diversions and disruptions in passenger movements. The Islamic Republic's air defense command stated regarding the Israeli attack on military positions early Saturday: 'Despite repeated warnings from Islamic Republic officials to Israel to refrain from provocative actions, this country continued to escalate tensions by attacking several military centers in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces.' The statement further claimed that 'the integrated air defense system of the country countered these attacks and was able to successfully intercept them. However, limited damage occurred in some areas, and the extent of this incident is under investigation.' A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council confirmed in response to these attacks that the United States was aware of Israel's plans before the attack began but did not participate in the operation. Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President, also stated that she was closely monitoring the developments. Meanwhile, Republican senators in the U.S. expressed support for Israel's attacks and urged the Biden administration to stand by Israel. Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, also spoke with Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, on Friday and received the latest information regarding the Israeli army's attacks on military targets in Iran. Austin reiterated the United States' enduring commitment to Israel's security and its right to self-defense. He also emphasized the increased presence of U.S. forces to defend its personnel, Israel, and other regional partners against threats from Iran and its supported terrorist groups. After announcing the end of its military operations in Iran, Israel emphasized that it would continue retaliatory attacks and self-defense if Iranian attacks persisted. Israeli sources confirmed that the Israeli security cabinet unanimously approved these attacks and issued orders for their execution. Special coverage of Israel's retaliatory attack on the Islamic Republic - 5 AM, November 5, published on social media regarding Israel's attack on military positions of the Islamic Republic. Video attributed to the attack on the Ministry of Defense barracks in Khajir, Tehran, during Israel's retaliatory attack - November 5. The U.S. supported Israel's approach in Gaza ceasefire negotiations. A report from the Washington Post on Israel's potential targets in attacks on military, oil, and nuclear facilities in Iran.