Israel’s military reported that it initiated strikes on Iranian military installations in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Residents in Tehran reported hearing loud explosions, which state television characterized as “powerful.”

According to Iran’s IRNA news agency, some of the noises in the capital were attributed to the activation of air defense systems, with a security official stating that “the air defense was successful.”

The news agency also indicated that operations at Tehran’s two primary airports remained normal.

Shortly after the attacks commenced, the White House issued a statement labeling the actions as “an exercise of self-defense” in retaliation for Iran’s ballistic missile strike on Israel on October 1.

During the strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reported to be in a bunker at Tel Aviv’s Kirya military base, as confirmed by his office. An image shared depicted him alongside Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other military leaders.

Iraq’s Ministry of Transport announced that all air traffic at the nation’s airports has been halted until further notice.

The minister stated, as reported by the official INA news agency, that this decision was made “to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Iraqi airspace amid regional tensions.”

Both Israel and Iran have closed their airspace and issued warnings to pilots.

Live data from Flightradar24 indicates that flights are rerouting to avoid the area between Israel and Iran.

Axios reporter Barak Ravid noted that Israel’s military actions occurred in three waves, targeting various military installations, according to officials from the US and Israel.

Iranian state television reported explosions early Saturday morning in various locations across the country, including Tehran.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated, “In response to months of ongoing attacks, we are executing targeted strikes on military installations in Iran.” The IDF further elaborated that “since October 7th, Iran and its regional proxies have been persistently assaulting Israel on seven fronts, including direct strikes from Iranian territory.” An Israeli official confirmed that the security cabinet approved the operation during a secure conference call on Friday night.

U.S. officials indicated that the Biden administration was informed hours prior to the Israeli airstrike that occurred on Friday night. In a broader context, the U.S. military has increased its presence in the region in recent weeks in anticipation of a potential Israeli offensive against Iran.

The objective, according to U.S. officials, is to deter Iran from retaliating and to assist Israel in defending against further missile attacks. President Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made the decision to deploy a THAAD missile defense system in Israel, accompanied by a team of U.S. military personnel. This deployment implies that U.S. forces may become actively involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran on Israeli territory.

On Friday, just hours before the Israeli airstrike, CENTCOM announced the arrival of U.S. Air Force F-16s from the 480th Fighter Squadron, stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, to U.S. Central Command.

Earlier this week, the FBI initiated an investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified U.S. intelligence documents concerning Israel’s plans for a potential strike against Iran.

This leak represents one of the most significant security breaches in the U.S. intelligence community in recent years. It revealed sensitive information about U.S. surveillance activities involving a key ally and could jeopardize the planned Israeli operation.

Israel’s leading military spokesperson announced on Saturday morning that the nation has completed its response to Iran.

“I can confirm that we have finalized the Israeli response to Iran’s assaults on Israel,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated in a video message released by the Israel Defense Forces.

“We executed targeted and precise strikes on military installations in Iran, neutralizing immediate threats to the State of Israel. The Israel Defense Forces has accomplished its mission,” he added.

Hagari cautioned that should Iran initiate “a new round of escalation,” Israel will be “compelled to respond.”

“Our message is unequivocal: Anyone who threatens the state of Israel and attempts to escalate tensions in the region will face severe consequences,” he remarked. “We have shown today that we possess both the capability and determination to act decisively, and we are prepared on both offensive and defensive fronts to protect the state of Israel and its citizens.”

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held discussions on Friday regarding Israel’s military actions targeting Iranian facilities.

According to Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Austin highlighted the strengthened military presence of US forces aimed at safeguarding both American personnel and Israel.

“Secretary Austin reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to ensure Israel’s security and its right to self-defense,” Ryder stated. “He underscored the bolstered US military posture to protect US personnel, Israel, and regional allies against threats posed by Iran and its affiliated terrorist groups, as well as the US resolve to prevent any party from taking advantage of the current tensions or escalating the conflict in the area.”