The Israeli military warned Iran on Saturday that the Islamic Republic would ‘pay a heavy price’ if it began a new round of escalation after Israel carried out airstrikes in Iran.

‘If the regime in Iran were to make the mistake of beginning a new round of escalation, we will be obligated to respond. Our message is clear: All those who threaten the State of Israel and seek to drag the region into a wider escalation will pay a heavy price,’ military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a statement.

Meanwhile, a senior Biden administration official confirmed to reporters in a call that Israel had conducted strikes on several military targets in Iran, outside populated areas.

It said the US was aware of the specific targets involved, and President Biden has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure the response remains targeted, proportional, and minimizes risks to civilians.

The US stated its readiness to support Israel should Iran retaliate, but said it believed this strike should mark the end of direct military exchanges between Iran and Israel.

To bolster Israel’s security, the US worked to enhance Israeli air defenses leading up to attack.

Additionally, the administration confirmed that ceasefire outlines are now in place for both Lebanon and Gaza, with diplomatic efforts expected to continue in the coming days.

Source: