It has been reported that explosions were heard in multiple locations across the Middle East late Thursday night, as Israel appears to have begun exacting revenge for Iran’s unprecedented attack on the Jewish State, which saw some 350 suicide drones and missiles fired at Israeli territory.
One report suggests that Israel struck 7 Iranian cities in total: Tehran, Fordow, Arak, Natanz, Kharg, Bushehr, and Bandar Abbas. This has not yet been widely confirmed but US officials in one report confirmed Israel firing of missiles Iran.
Iranian media report that the Hastam Shikari air force base was hit by a missile. The air base was among several from which Iran launched its direct attack against Israel last weekend. According to Iranian media, the IDF may have targeted the 8th Tactical Airbase of the Iranian Air Force, which is near the airport in Isfahan, and which contains multiple squadrons of F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft.
Airspace across the western side of Iran has been shut and Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport has informed passengers that all flights have been cancelled.
It was gathered that the explosions were reportedly heard in Isfahan and Natzanz, both cities in Iran which have nuclear installations.
Isfahan, where Iran has its main nuclear research facility, was reportedly hit though it has not been confirmed if a nuclear site has been struck.
According to ABC News, the news organisation says it has been in contact with an IDF official who has confirmed that last night’s strikes were in response to Iran’s drone and missile barrage.
The Supreme National Security Council of Iran has called an emergency meeting following the Thursday night’s retaliatory strikes – which it said might still be ongoing.
The Jerusalem Post also reported that airstrikes had targeted sites belonging to the Syrian army in As-Suwayda and Daraa in southern Syria.
Additional explosions were also reported in several locations in Iraq.
United States President Joe Biden had earlier told Iran not to strike back at Iran saying, if it did, it would fight alone.
Iran did not expect Israel would not strike back but assured that any such strike at any of its interests would lead to direct strikes at Israel and wherever it has interest.
