Iran says targeted two Israeli airbases in retaliatory attack
Tehran, June 8
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its aerospace forces on Monday morning targeted two "important and strategic" Israeli air bases in retaliation for Israel's attacks earlier in the day against the Gulf country.
In a statement on its official news outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC said that it struck Israel's Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases in response to Israel's missile strikes on a number of radar sites in three Iranian locations.
All its combat and operational units are fully ready to carry out operations on all fronts, the IRGC added.
Explosions were heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, and in two other provinces early Monday, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the semi-official Fars news agency.
Citing local sources, the report said one explosion was heard west of Tehran, two in the central province of Isfahan, and one near Tabriz, the capital of the northwestern East Azarbaijan province.
The Israel Defense Forces said on Telegram that the Israeli Air Force struck military targets in western and central Iran on Monday morning.
On Sunday, the IRGC said in a statement that it had launched ballistic missiles against the Ramat David Air Base in northern Israel in response to Israel's "widespread crimes" in southern Lebanon, including the killing and displacement of civilians.
The statement said the Israeli air base carried out the attacks in Lebanon.
Also on Sunday, Ali Abdollahi, chief commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned that Israel would face more "crushing and regret-inducing blows" if it expanded attacks on southern Lebanon and the southern Beirut suburb of Dahieh.
Meanwhile, an Iranian missile, or debris from an interception, struck a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Monday, damaging three homes, Israel's Channel 12 News reported.
Video footage shared on social media showed a large plume of smoke rising from the area. There were no immediate reports of casualties, according to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service.
The attack triggered air-raid sirens in the Jerusalem area and parts of the West Bank, while explosions were heard as air defence systems attempted to intercept the incoming missiles, reports Xinhua news agency.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm worried about our Indian workers in Israel and the Gulf. Every time there's escalation like this, it's the common people who suffer. The whole region is like a powder keg and this retaliation cycle benefits no one except the arms dealers. 😔
Why is no one asking the tough questions? Israel attacked Iran first (those radar sites), and now we're supposed to be shocked that Iran retaliated? You can't strike a sovereign nation and then cry wolf when they hit back. India should call for immediate ceasefire from both sides.
As someone who follows geopolitics, this is a dangerous moment. Iran's missile technology has clearly improved - hitting airbases in Israel is no small feat. But India's position should be clear: de-escalation and dialogue. We cannot afford another major war in our neighborhood given our own borders are sensitive. 🕊️
The hypocrisy is staggering. When Israel attacks Iranian sites, it's "self-defense." When Iran retaliates, it's "terrorism." Meanwhile, civilians in West Bank and Gaza suffer daily. India must stay neutral and focus on peace. Our own Kashmir situation is complex enough without getting dragged into this. 🤷♂️
Important point: Iran warning Israel about Lebanon expansion while striking Israeli airbases used for Lebanese operations. This is directly connected to the Gaza-Lebanon crisis. India should use its Good Offices position with Iran and its growing ties with Israel to mediate. We've done it before and can do it again. 🇮🇳
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.