Iran intercepts Israeli missile attack, reports minimal damage

Iran's air force has announced that it successfully intercepted missile attacks allegedly launched by Israel, saying its air defence systems thwarted multiple incoming missiles targeting military facilities in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces.

Iranian media reported that missiles fired from close range were intercepted by Iran’s integrated air defence systems. The attacks, Iran’s air force stated, caused limited damage, which is currently under investigation, with no reported casualties.

Iran’s air force asserted that the attacks targeted several military installations and accused Israel of disregarding prior warnings to avoid such actions.

According to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, operations at Tehran's Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini international airports remain unaffected, while surrounding airspace saw swift interception of the alleged Israeli missiles.

Additional reports from Tasnim News Agency confirmed that no missile penetrated Iran’s defences near the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) bases west of Tehran.

Israel hit back at Iran during the early hours of saturday morning, with its military saying it was conducting strikes against military targets in response to Tehran's attacks on Israel.

The Middle East has been on edge in anticipation of Israeli retaliation for a ballistic-missile barrage carried out by Iran on October 1, in which around 200 ballistic missiles were fired at Israel, Iran's second direct attack on Israel in six months.

"In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel – right now the Israel Defense Forces is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.

Iran's state TV said several strong explosions were heard around the capital Tehran. Semi-official Iranian media said explosions were also heard in the nearby city of Karaj. Syrian state TV said explosions were also heard in the Damascus countryside and central region.

The Tasnim news agency said that "nothing has been reported about hearing the sound of rockets or airplanes in the sky of Tehran so far".

Iranian authorities have repeatedly warned Israel against launching an attack, saying any strike on Iran would be met with a stronger retaliation.

The United States was notified by Israel ahead of its strikes on targets in Iran but was not involved in the operation, a U.S. official told Reuters.

Israel's defense minister said this week that enemies would "pay a heavy price" for trying to harm Israel.