Iran says it has ‘right and duty’ to defend itself after Israeli attacks

The Israeli military said 80 projectiles were fired across the border on Saturday.

Hezbollah later issued evacuation warnings for more than a dozen named locations in Israel, in a new move that mirrors warnings the Israeli military has long issued for areas in Gaza and Lebanon where it plans to operate.

The Israeli military confirmed its own strikes after explosions and anti-aircraft fire echoed around Tehran and said it had hit Iranian missile factories and military facilities in several regions.

The “retaliatory strike is complete and the mission accomplished” and the Israeli aircraft have “returned safely,” a military spokesman said.

Iran confirmed that Israel had attacked military sites around the capital and in other parts of the country, saying the raids caused “limited damage” but killed four soldiers.

The General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces said only radar systems were damaged in the attacks and there would be no threat of immediate retaliation.

“While Iran reserves its legal and legitimate right to respond at the appropriate time, it is prioritizing the establishment of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon,” the report said.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there were “no limits” to Iran’s determination to defend itself.