**Israel Targets Iranian Military and Oil Sites in Major Precision Airstrikes**

In an unprecedented move, Israel launched a series of precision air and drone strikes on Iranian targets this past weekend, focusing primarily on air defense systems that shield key oil and gas facilities as well as military sites tied to Tehran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. This marks the first openly acknowledged assault on Iran by Israel, marking a significant escalation in the volatile Middle Eastern conflict.

In response to the strikes, Iran's initial reaction was to downplay the incident, which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers. Western leaders, concerned about the potential for a full-scale war and its implications on the global oil market, had previously cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against targeting Iran's energy and nuclear infrastructure. Iranian officials had warned that any such attacks would cross a "red line."

Despite the caution from allies, detailed reports, including satellite imagery and information from the New York Times, indicate that the Israeli strikes focused on air defense systems, radar installations, and long-range missile production sites. These targets were essential for degrading Iran's defensive capabilities and making it more susceptible to future attacks. The operation involved more than 100 jets and drones and was executed in two waves.

The first phase of the operation saw Israeli jets disabling air defense systems in Syria and Iraq to prevent interception by Tehran's allies. Subsequent strikes in Iran targeted air defense systems protecting vital sites such as the Abadan oil refinery and the gas fields of Tange Bijar. Russian-made S-300 air defense systems around Tehran and military bases at Parchin and Parand were also reportedly hit.

Satellite images analyzed by international news agencies showed significant damage at the Parchin site, associated with Iran's nuclear activities, and the Khojir military base, believed to be a long-range ballistic missile production site. The New York Times reported that missile manufacturing sites in Tehran province operated by Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards were also targeted.

The Israeli strikes, dubbed Operation Days of Repentance, aimed to impair Iran's missile production capabilities and neutralize air defense systems. Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that the mission had met its objectives.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, downplayed the scale of the damage but acknowledged the seriousness of the event. He indicated that military officials would deliberate on the next steps, suggesting that immediate retaliation might not be forthcoming.