Escalating tensions: Iran promises proportional response to Israeli attacks

Tehran (The Uttam Hindu): Four weeks after Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for strikes against its ally Hezbollah, the Jewish state has chosen to respond on its own timeline. Tensions in the region have remained high, and Iran has now indicated it is prepared to retaliate against what it terms Israeli "aggression."

According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, sources have stated, "There is no doubt that Israel will face a proportional reaction for any actions it undertakes." The Israeli army has cautioned Iran that it will "pay a heavy price" if it escalates the situation further, while Iran claimed that the Israeli attack resulted in "limited damage."

**Israel Strikes Back**

On Saturday morning, Iranian state TV reported "strong explosions" around Tehran, although the cause was not specified. The Tasnim News Agency mentioned that there were no rockets or aircraft observed over the city at that time. Iranian state media suggested that the loud blasts were due to the activation of air defense systems in response to Israeli strikes targeting three locations outside Tehran.

As the situation develops, Iranian authorities have hinted that the noises could be linked to defensive actions, indicating that Iran's air defense systems were likely engaged. Residents in the nearby city of Karaj also reported hearing explosions. Despite this, Iranian officials stated that operations at major sites, including Imam Khomeini International Airport and a key oil refinery south of Tehran, were running normally and were unaffected by the strikes. However, several military bases near Tehran reportedly came under fire from Israeli forces, as reported by Iran's Fars News Agency.

Israeli officials justified the attacks as acts of self-defense, with IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari urging Israeli citizens to stay alert. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials are currently evaluating the security landscape following the strikes, while Iran has suspended all flights until further notice.

On October 1, just before midnight, Iran had attacked Israel with missiles and rockets, escalating tensions in West Asia due to prior artillery and air strikes on Lebanon targeting Hezbollah. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed the assault was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Videos from that night showed the sky illuminated by explosions as air raid sirens sounded throughout Israel. Over 100 missiles were reportedly launched, with the Iron Dome and Arrow air defense systems actively intercepting threats, resulting in debris falling over Israeli cities.