Israel's Retaliatory Strikes On Iran Focused on Military Targets, Not Energy Infrastructure, Says Military Source

According to an Israeli military source speaking to CNN, Israel's recent retaliatory strikes against Iran are not aimed at the country's energy infrastructure. The source confirmed that the attacks carried out on Saturday were entirely Israeli operations, emphasizing ongoing "deep cooperation" with the United States, particularly regarding aerial defense strategies.

Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had previously assured the U.S. that any counterstrikes on Iran would be confined to military targets, explicitly excluding oil and nuclear facilities, as reported by a source familiar with the discussions.

In related developments, a resident of Tehran recounted waking up to distant explosions early Saturday morning. Speaking anonymously due to security concerns, she noted a significant presence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the city the day before but could not provide further details.

Iranian state media reported that the explosions heard in Tehran were linked to air defense activities, with Press TV citing security sources. Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed it was targeting "military sites" in Iran following initial reports of explosions in the capital.

During the attacks, Prime Minister Netanyahu was reportedly in a bunker at Tel Aviv's Kirya military base, accompanied by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other military officials.

The United States has clarified that it is not involved in the Israeli strikes against Iran. A senior administration official stated that the U.S. understands Israel's actions as self-defense in response to Iran's ballistic missile attacks on Israel earlier this month. The White House was notified in advance of the strikes, although President Biden, currently in Wilmington, Delaware, is not convening his advisers in the Situation Room. He has been briefed on the situation and is monitoring developments closely.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) characterized the strikes as "precise actions against military targets" in Iran, although specific sites targeted remain unclear. U.S. officials have expressed concerns that Israel's response should avoid escalation and not adversely affect the global economy. They have advised against targeting Iran's nuclear facilities or oil reserves, fearing that such actions could lead to a spike in energy prices, especially with U.S. voters approaching election season.

The IDF reiterated its right to respond to attacks, stating that Iran has been "relentlessly attacking" Israel since October 7th on multiple fronts, including direct assaults from Iranian territory. The military also warned that its defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilized in response to the ongoing threats.