Iran reacted with missiles to the joint attack carried out by the United States and Israel against its territory on Saturday morning, the 28th. The retaliation followed the pattern announced by Tehran in recent months and marked an immediate escalation of the confrontation in the Middle East.
The counterattack began with the launch of missiles and drones against Israel. Iran then began targeting US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Explosions were heard throughout the morning in different parts of the Persian Gulf.
The Iranian action received official confirmation from the Israel Defense Forces and the Iranian government itself, through the state agencies Fars and Tasnim. In a statement, the Israeli military stated that the Air Force acts to intercept and neutralize ongoing threats.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the start of the response and declared that the Armed Forces began a “decisive response” to attacks considered hostile. The agency advised the population to avoid affected areas and informed that the government had adopted previous measures to guarantee the supply of essential items.
The Iranian press claims that the entire territory of the country has suffered attacks. Israel reports the destruction of dozens of military targets.
Iran closes schools, empties Tehran and restricts services after US and Israeli attacks
Authorities ordered the closure of schools and universities across the country. Banks remained in operation. Public offices began to operate at 50% capacity. The council also recommended that residents leave Tehran, given the expectation of new Israeli and American bombings on the capital.
So far, there is no confirmed information about deaths or injuries in Iran, Israel or US bases. The United States maintains 36 military installations in the Middle East.
The Iranian government closed airspace, asked the population to avoid airports and temporarily suspended internet and telephone services. The telephone connection has now been reestablished. According to the EFE Agency, Tehran recorded scenes of chaos, with traffic congestion, parents taking children out of schools and queues at ATMs.
Iran accuses US and Israel of violating sovereignty and promises firm response
Iran’s Foreign Ministry classified the attacks as a violation of the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. In a statement, the foreign ministry stated that Iran did not seek war or escalation and accused the United States and Israel of disregarding the norms of international law.
The ministry declared that the offensive violates the Charter of the United Nations and called on the United Nations and its members to adopt urgent measures in the face of the threat to international peace and security. The Iranian government reiterated that military response constitutes a legitimate right and promised to act decisively to defend its national interests.
The note highlighted that the attacks occurred during Ramadan, the holy month of Islam, and on the eve of Noruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated on March 21. The statement acknowledged damage to defensive and military infrastructure and other points in different cities, without detailing the targets.
“History shows that the Iranian people have never surrendered in the face of aggression,” the ministry said. According to the text, Iran will give a firm response and those responsible “will regret their hostile acts”.
With information from EFE
