Israeli Air Force Strikes Military Targets in Iran After Missile Attacks

Israeli Air Force strikes escalated Middle East tensions after Iran launched a large missile barrage toward Israel. The Israeli Air Force conducted precision strikes on western and central Iran, targeting air defense batteries, missile storage sites, and command-and-control centers. The operation reportedly used fighter jets and drone platforms in multiple waves, with the first wave focused on neutralizing Iranian air defenses to clear safe corridors. Satellite imagery and local sources described large explosions and secondary detonations, suggesting munitions at multiple sites. Israel said it selected targets to minimize civilian harm, with early assessments indicating no deliberate hits to civilian infrastructure. This is described as Israel’s first overt strike deep inside Iran since the Iran-Iraq war era, marking a potential shift from covert actions to visible deterrence. The immediate trigger was an Iranian attack that reportedly involved more than 200 ballistic and cruise missiles. Israel’s layered air defenses (including Iron Dome and David’s Sling) intercepted most incoming projectiles, but some impacts were reported, causing casualties and damage. Global markets reacted sharply. Oil prices rose more than 5% on supply-disruption concerns tied to the Strait of Hormuz. The United States, reportedly notified minutes before the operation, urged restraint while reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense. Russia and China called for de-escalation, while Iran’s Supreme National Security Council convened an emergency session and signaled retaliation. Traders should watch for further escalation risk, energy volatility, and broader risk sentiment changes as diplomats try to contain the retaliation cycle.