Israel warned Iran ahead of planned strikes – media

Israel communicated a warning to Iran on October 25, ahead of its retaliatory airstrikes, advising against any response.

This message aimed to limit the ongoing exchanges of attacks between the two nations and prevent broader escalation, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

US and Israeli officials reported that three waves of airstrikes were executed. The first wave targeted Iran's air defence systems, while the subsequent waves focused on missile and drone bases, as well as weapons production sites. Iran claimed to have successfully repelled the Israeli attack, asserting that only "limited damage" was inflicted on its military targets.

Israeli officials indicated that these strikes were a direct response to a significant ballistic missile attack by Iran on October 1. The warning to Iran was relayed through various intermediaries, with sources stating that Israel clearly outlined which targets would be attacked and which would be spared. They also cautioned Iran that any retaliation would provoke a more severe Israeli response, particularly if Israeli civilians were harmed.

Iran has expressed that it does not seek a full-scale war with Israel, but it will retaliate if attacked. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the IDF, emphasized that if Iran escalates its actions in response to Israeli strikes, Israel would be compelled to retaliate. A US official noted that the US did not take part in the Israeli operation but is prepared to defend Israel if necessary, indicating that further Iranian attacks would lead to consequences.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldcamp was among those conveying messages to Iran prior to the strikes, urging for restraint to prevent further escalation. US officials anticipate a limited Iranian response in the coming days, hoping to break the cycle of retaliation and promote diplomatic efforts in the region.

In a related development, Russia reportedly warned Iranian authorities about the impending Israeli strike several hours before it occurred.

Moscow provided this information as part of its cooperation with Tehran, with the goal of reducing tensions in the region.

The Israeli army has confirmed that it carried out a series of night airstrikes targeting military facilities in Iran, resulting in significant explosions in the capital, Tehran.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued a statement emphasizing that these strikes were a direct response to months of aggressive actions by the Iranian regime against Israel.

In addition to the missile production facilities, the strikes also targeted ground-to-air missile systems and other military assets that could potentially limit the operational capabilities of Israeli air forces in Iranian airspace.

The airstrikes occurred during the night of October 26, triggering Tehran's air defence systems. Local media reported multiple waves of explosions, although the extent of the damage and any casualties remain unclear at this time. According to Israeli sources, the operation involved the participation of over 100 aircraft from the Israeli Air Force. Concurrently, military facilities in Syria were also targeted in related operations. In response to these developments, airspace over Iran and Iraq has been closed.

By Vafa Guliyeva