Iran warns will defend itself after Israeli strikes
Iran issued a warning on Saturday that it would defend itself following Israeli air strikes that resulted in the deaths of at least two soldiers, raising concerns about a potential full-scale regional war in the Middle East.
Israel cautioned Iran that there would be severe consequences if they retaliated to the strikes, while the United States, Germany, and Britain urged Tehran not to escalate the conflict further.
US President Joe Biden expressed hope that the Israeli strikes marked the end of the situation, as they appeared to target only military sites.
The European Union called for all parties involved to show restraint to prevent an uncontrollable escalation of the conflict.
Several countries, including Iran’s neighbors, criticized Israel’s actions, with Russia urging both sides to exercise restraint to avoid a catastrophic outcome.
Iran maintained that it had the right and obligation to defend itself, while its ally Hezbollah claimed to have launched rockets at residential areas in northern Israel. The Israeli army reported that 80 projectiles were fired across the border on Saturday.
Hezbollah issued evacuation warnings for multiple locations in Israel, similar to the warnings issued by the Israeli military in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Israeli military confirmed carrying out strikes on Iranian missile factories and military facilities in various regions, stating that the mission was successfully completed.
Iran acknowledged that Israel targeted military sites in and around the capital, resulting in limited damage and the deaths of four soldiers.
Iran’s armed forces general staff stated that only radar systems were affected by the strikes and refrained from immediate retaliation, prioritizing the establishment of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Iran was fully committed to defending itself without any limitations.