WASHINGTON: The United States has urged Iran to cease its attacks on Israel to help end the ongoing cycle of violence, following retaliatory strikes by Israel on Iranian targets.
US National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett told reporters that Washington has called on Iran to stop its attacks to avoid further escalation.
According to Western media, the Israeli military launched airstrikes on Saturday, targeting Iranian military bases, missile sites, and other systems across various regions. Savett described Israel’s response as a “self-defense measure,” stating that it specifically avoided civilian areas, focusing solely on military targets.
He added that the United States did not participate in the operation, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to accelerating diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.
Israel’s strikes followed what it described as “months of continuous attacks” from Iran. On social media, the Israeli military confirmed it was conducting “precise attacks on military targets in Iran.”
The airstrikes came in response to a ballistic missile barrage from Iran on October 1, marking Iran’s second direct strike on Israel in the past six months.
In Tehran, explosions could be heard, with Iranian state media reporting at least six blasts, some of which were attributed to air defense systems around the city.