The Israeli military sent a message to Iran a day before its retaliatory strike on the Islamic Republic on Saturday (Oct 26). Citing sources, a report by Axios said that the Israeli military warned Iranians not to respond.
The sources told Axios that the Israeli message was an attempt to limit the ongoing exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran and prevent a wider escalation in West Asia.
One of the sources said Israel warned the Iranians not to respond to the attack and stressed that if Iran did retaliate, Israel would conduct another more significant attack, especially if Israeli civilians were killed or injured.
A look at the Israeli strikes
Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli military announced that it conducted precise strikes on military targets in Iran in response to what it called “the continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against Israel”.
West Asia has been on the edge in anticipation of Israeli retaliation for a ballistic missile barrage carried out by Iran on October 1, in which around 200 ballistic missiles were fired at Israel, Iran’s second direct attack on the country in six months.
According to Iranian state media, several strong explosions were heard around the capital Tehran. Semi-official Iranian media said explosions were also heard in the nearby city of Karaj.
Also watch | Israel attacks Iran: Retaliation for October 1
Iran’s air defence forces confirmed Saturday that an Israeli attack targeted several military bases in Tehran and other cities, saying it “caused limited damage.”
The Israeli strikes were completed.
Israeli military spokesperson Hagari said that Saturday’s strikes were “in response to the ongoing attacks of the regime in Iran towards the State of Israel in recent months and in accordance with the guidance of the political echelon.”
‘Three waves of airstrikes took place’
According to Israeli and US officials, three waves of airstrikes took place on Saturday morning.
The Axios report said that the first wave focused on Iran’s air defence system; the second and third waves focused on missile and drone bases and weapons production sites.
(With inputs from agencies)