We have reports streaming in that Israel has launched retaliatory strikes against Iran. The United States has made it clear that its support for Israel is ironclad, though it wouldn’t support Israel’s counterattacks. The strikes come after Iran launched an unprecedented kamikaze drone and ballistic missile barrage from its soil last weekend.
Explosions reported inside Iran. We're in breaking news coverage. Tune in. pic.twitter.com/IdyLRZwHwa
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) April 19, 2024
Lots of coordination to avoid a broader regional war between Israel and Iran. pic.twitter.com/DVZizb8z0M
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) April 19, 2024
Full segment here:
We don't know the target or if there are any casualties, but ABC News through US officials are confirming that Israeli missiles have struck inside Iran. Israeli officials told The Washington Post that the strikes were meant to show Iran that Israel had the capability of hitting targets inside their country:The Israeli military carried out an airstrike inside Iran, an Israeli official said Friday, in retaliation for an Iranian barrage of missiles and drones launched against Israel. It was not clear what damage the strike caused, but the official — who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters — said it was intended to signal to Iran that Israel had the ability to strike inside the country.
U.S. Officials have Confirmed that Israeli Aircraft have Stuck a Location in Iran.
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 19, 2024
Explosions so far have been reported in the last few minutes near the Cities of Isfahan and Natanz in Central Iran, which both contain Significant Facilities for the Iranian Nuclear Program.
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 19, 2024
Following reports of large explosions in Iran, Iraq and Syria. Working to confirm and gather more information now.
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) April 19, 2024
BREAKING: Israel has conducted missile strikes on Iran
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) April 19, 2024
An Israeli missile strike targeted a site in Iran early Friday morning, according to ABC News. https://t.co/CQmbnnHqRy
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) April 19, 2024
🔴 Israeli missiles have struck a site inside of Iran - U.S. media reporthttps://t.co/6ZKroMGN7T pic.twitter.com/jZHPvQxRt7
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) April 19, 2024
The Jewish state had reportedly planned to carry out strikes against Iran over the past week but aborted these operations on at least two occasions.
NEW: Israel prepared for and then aborted retaliatory strikes against Iran on at least two nights this past week, three Israeli sources told ABC News.https://t.co/zTEzGcmFcb
— ABC News (@ABC) April 17, 2024
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UPDATE: One of the targets within Isfahan might have been an air base, according to Iranian state media.
Iranian State Media is reporting that tonight’s Airstrike by the Israel Air Force may have Targeted the 8th Tactical Airbase of the Iranian Air Force, within Isfahan International Airport, which contains multiple Squadrons of F-14 “Tomcat” Fighter Aircraft.
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 19, 2024
UPDATE II: Iran's nuclear sites were reportedly not targeted; all were military targets.
Does not sound like nuclear sites were targeted. Military targets only. US was notified in advance. Escalation was not the objective.
— Richard Goldberg (@rich_goldberg) April 19, 2024
Israel demonstrating its capability to reach inside Iran at will. That is the step taken tonight to begin restoring deterrence.
Israel also informed the US of its strikes–US officials were not surprised.
A senior US official told me Israel conducted a strike in Iran tonight. He said Israel notified the U.S. in advance. "We were not surprised", the official said
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) April 19, 2024
The Israeli response appears to have been limited to a handful of military targets deep inside Iran.
— Avi Mayer אבי מאיר (@AviMayer) April 19, 2024
Israel's message is clear: We are responding in a measured way, but make no mistake – we can hit you, we can hit you hard, and we can hit you anywhere. Don't test us again.