Israel launches retaliatory strikes against Iran

ChainCatcher news, according to AXIOS, two informed sources said that Israel began attacking Iran early Saturday local time in retaliation for Iran's large-scale ballistic missile attack on October 1.

Iranian state television reported explosions in several areas, including Tehran. U.S. and Israeli officials believe Iran will respond militarily, but hope it will be limited and break the cycle of tit-for-tat between the two adversaries. Before Israel potentially attacks Iran, the U.S. military has increased its presence in the region over the past few weeks.

U.S. officials said the aim is to deter Iran from responding and to assist Israel in defending against another round of missile attacks from Iran.