Israel says its forces are conducting precision strikes on military targets in Iran. The move is believed to be in retaliation for Iran's massive missile attack on October 1, which involved more than 180 missiles.

The chief spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, Daniel Hagari, said in a video statement that the State of Israel has the right and duty to respond, like every other sovereign country in the world.

He also said that their defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilized and added that Israel plans to do everything it can to protect the country and its people.

Iran's state-run television reported that explosions were heard around the capital Tehran shortly after 2 a.m. on Saturday, local time.

Syria's state-run news agency also reported the sound of explosions around the capital Damascus, citing a correspondent.

A spokesperson for the US National Security Council told NHK, "We understand that Israel is conducting targeted strikes against military targets in Iran as an exercise of self-defense and in response to Iran's ballistic missile attack against Israel on October 1."