 "A general view of Tehran after several explosions were heard, in Tehran, Iran, October 26, 2024. Reuters")
Russia reportedly warned Iran of an Israeli attack on Saturday that has killed two soldiers. Israel launched “precise strikes on military targets in Iran”, in response to what it said were “months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran”.
According to a report by Sky News Arabia, Russia provided intelligence to Tehran hours before Israel conducted the second round of strikes in response to Iran’s attack against the country on October 1.
Iran confirmed Israel targeted military sites in Tehran province as well as other areas, saying the blasts heard were the “activation of the air defence system” intercepting the Israeli attack.
The latest attack has drawn condemnation from Iran’s allies including Lebanon and Hamas who have defended the country’s “right to retaliate”. Meanwhile, Israel has warned Tehran not to strike back.
Two soldiers die in Tehran
The Iranian army said two soldiers were killed in Israeli air strikes on military installations in Tehran.
“The army of the Islamic Republic of Iran lost two of its fighters during the night when they faced projectiles from the criminal Zionist regime in defence of its territory,” a statement carried by state media said.
Israel’s attack on Iran
The Israeli military said its retaliatory air strikes hit Iran’s missile manufacturing facilities, missile installations and other systems in several regions. It warned Iran it would “pay a heavy price” if it responded.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIran, however, has said that it has a ‘duty’ to defend itself against Israel’s attack.
Although Iran has downplayed its attack, Iranians are apprehensive of a possible escalation as they recalled the horrors they experienced when the strikes occurred.
Hooman, a 42-year-old factory employee, was on a factory night shift when he heard the blasts.
“It was an echoing sound … terrible and horrifying,” he told AFP. “Now that there is war in the Middle East, we are afraid that we will be dragged into it.”
With inputs from AFP