Iran says two dead in Israeli strikes on military targets

Iran reported that an Israeli attack targeted military sites in the Islamic Republic on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers. This strike occurred almost a month after Israel vowed retaliation for a missile barrage that sparked fears of a full-scale Middle East war.

The Israeli military stated its retaliatory airstrikes targeted Iran's missile manufacturing facilities, missile installations, and other systems in several regions, warning Iran it would "pay a heavy price" if it responded.

Iran confirmed that Israeli strikes targeted military sites in Tehran province, surrounding the capital and other parts of the country, causing "limited damage." The Iranian armed forces later reported that two soldiers were killed in these strikes.

Israel had previously vowed retaliation against Iran for its Oct. 1 barrage of 200 missiles, marking the second-ever direct attack by Iran on its arch-foe. While most of those missiles were intercepted, one person was killed.

The Israeli retaliation drew condemnation from Hamas and Saudi Arabia, both of whom warned against further escalation. Israel is currently engaged in combat on two fronts: a full-on war with Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and ongoing conflict in Gaza with Palestinian Hamas militants. The United Nations has warned that the "darkest moment" of that conflict is unfolding.

"Based on intelligence, IAF (Israel Air Force) aircraft struck missile manufacturing facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran fired at the State of Israel over the last year," said Israel's military in a statement.

In recent strikes, Iran carried out two direct missile barrages against Israel since April. Meanwhile, Hezbollah, armed and financed by Tehran, has been consistently firing...