Iran’s military said early Saturday that the strikes on the country targeted military bases in Ilam, Khuzestan and Tehran provinces, causing “limited damage."

In the statement, Iran described the attack as a "clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter," noting that it will "defend itself against foreign acts of aggression, based on its inherent right of legitimate defence as per Article 51 of the charter."

Iran added that it is doing all it can to protect its security and interests, expressing gratitude to countries in the region that condemned the "Israeli act of aggression against the Islamic Republic."

Tehran had previously said it didn't want a full-blown war with Israel but warned that it would retaliate if attacked.

Addressing Israel’s actions in the region, Iran underscored that the "occupation (of Palestine) … genocide of the Palestinian people and aggression against Lebanon" are the main causes of tension and insecurity in the Middle East.

It urged all UN member states, parties to the 1948 Genocide Convention and the 1949 Geneva Conventions, to take "urgent and collective action" against Israel’s "gross violations of international law and the UN Charter."