JERUSALEM / TEHRAN — The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced early Saturday that fighter jets carried out a wave of airstrikes targeting an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) logistics and command facility near the holy city of Qom, escalating the shadow war between the two rivals into open confrontation.
According to IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the operation, dubbed "Iron Hammer," was launched in response to an alleged Iranian plot to attack Israeli diplomatic missions overseas. "The targeted site housed drone assembly lines and missile components used by IRGC's Quds Force to destabilize the region," Hagari told reporters. "All aircraft returned safely, and the strike was clinically precise."
Iran vows retaliation, nuclear sites unaffected
Iranian state television confirmed the attack but downplayed its impact, reporting that air defense systems intercepted several aerial objects and that only minor damage was caused to an "industrial warehouse." However, satellite imagery analyzed by open-source intelligence groups showed significant structural damage and secondary explosions, suggesting the presence of munitions.
Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian stated, "The cowardly attack will not go unanswered. Iran reserves the right to self-defense under international law." Importantly, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that no nuclear facilities were impacted, and inspectors continue their work as usual.
Global reaction and market tremors
The United States called for de-escalation while reiterating "ironclad support for Israel's security." A White House spokesperson confirmed that President Biden was briefed and is in contact with allies. The European Union announced an emergency foreign ministers' meeting for Sunday. Meanwhile, crude oil prices surged more than 6% in Asian trading, crossing $98 per barrel for the first time since 2023, as fears of a broader regional conflict rattled energy markets.
In a related development, the IDF raised its alert level along the northern border with Lebanon, anticipating possible Hezbollah retaliation. Residents of northern Israel have been instructed to remain near shelters.
This is a developing story. SKY Today will provide continuous updates as events unfold.