The White House has stated that Israel’s overnight strikes on Iran should bring an end to the direct exchange of fire between the two countries, warning Tehran of “consequences” if it responds. A senior White House official expressed the administration’s belief that the Israeli operation should “close out” the direct military exchange between Israel and Iran, stating that other allies are in agreement. The official emphasized that President Joe Biden was updated on Friday as the operation was developing, and by his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, as the operation was carried out by the Israelis.
According to the official, the Israeli operation was extensive, targeted, and precise, and the US had no involvement in the strike. Israel pounded Iran with a series of airstrikes early on Saturday, saying it was targeting military sites in retaliation for the barrage of ballistic missiles fired by Iran against Israel earlier this month. The Israeli military claimed to have targeted missile manufacturing facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran fired at Israel over the last year, as well as surface-to-air missile sites and “additional Iranian aerial capabilities”.
Israel’s Overnight Strikes on Iran Bring Tactical Ceasefire (Image via Getty)
Iran’s military reported that the strikes targeted military bases in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran provinces, causing “limited damage”, without providing elaboration. Iran’s state-run media acknowledged blasts that could be heard in Tehran, but did not release further details. The country closed its airspace early on Saturday, and flight-tracking data showed commercial airlines had largely left the skies over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
In response to the Israeli strikes, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to receive updates and reaffirmed the commitment of the US to Israel’s security and right to self-defense. The Israeli Defense Forces issued a statement saying that it had fulfilled its mission and that if the regime in Iran were to make the mistake of beginning a new round of escalation, Israel would be obligated to respond.
Israel’s overnight strikes on Iran have brought a temporary ceasefire to the region, but it remains unclear whether this will hold. The situation remains tense, with both sides wary of escalation and the potential for further conflict.
