The Iranian military said the strikes targeted facilities in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran provinces but did not provide further specifics.

Israel launched the airstrikes following Iran's retaliatory ballistic missile attacks on Israel early in the month.

Explosions reportedly echoed across Tehran, with some attributed to air defense operations, state media said.

However, the Tasnim News Agency disputed claims that Israel had struck 20 targets, describing the actual number as “significantly lower.”

Following the attack, Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority briefly suspended flights, resuming normal operations by 9 a.m. local time (0530 GMT), according to the official IRNA news agency.

The Israeli military stated the strikes aimed at “missile manufacturing sites” used in previous Iranian attacks on Israel, as well as surface-to-air missile facilities and additional aerial assets.

No immediate damage assessment was provided by Israeli authorities.

Residents in Tehran reported hearing at least seven explosions during the initial assault, with some describing flashes of tracer fire illuminating the night sky. Footage circulating online showed what appeared to be surface-to-air missiles launched in response.

Iranian state television showed live footage from a Tehran vegetable market, Associated Press reported.

Cycle of Fighting End!

The White House expressed hope that Israel's strikes would end the current cycle of hostilities between the two nations. “We urge Iran to cease its attacks on Israel so that this cycle of fighting can end without escalation,” U.S. National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said.

A senior White House official indicated the administration believed the operation was an “exercise in self-defence,” focusing solely on military targets.

President Joe Biden received updates on the operation but said that the US had no involvement.