Live Updates: Israel's Retaliatory Attack on Iran Hits Military Bases

The Israeli military launched airstrikes against Iran, escalating tensions between two dominant forces in the Middle East. Israel's strikes targeted military sites across Iran, Syria, and Iraq, involving over 100 combat aircraft. This action was a response to a series of Iranian attacks over the past year, along with a direct retaliatory strike by Iran earlier this month.

The Iranian government minimized the impact, noting that their air defenses limited damage and the strikes only affected military installations in certain provinces, avoiding the capital Tehran and its civilian infrastructure.

Israel's military asserted the need for such measures following year-long actions by Iran and its regional allies including Hezbollah in Lebanon. The confrontation had been simmering, marked by instances such as the assassination of senior Iranian figures by Israel and attacks on Israeli territory by Iranian-supported groups.

The United States expressed support for Israel's operation, emphasizing its targeted nature, while urging for restraint to prevent further escalation. The Israeli government has remained vigilant, indicating no immediate changes to civil defense orders, hinting they do not expect imminent retaliation from Iran.

Amid the unfolding conflict, aid access to Gaza faced severe challenges, compounded by logistical hurdles and internal security issues. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with international bodies raising alarms over potential atrocities.

Efforts continue at diplomatic and humanitarian levels to de-escalate the situation and ensure aid delivery, although challenges persist due to ongoing hostilities and operational difficulties on the ground.