Hello, you're listening to the free edition of The World in Brief from The Economist.

As a reminder, if you subscribe to The Economist or our new podcast subscription Economist Podcast Plus,

you'll get access to a deeper look at the day ahead,

updated three times a day.

You'll also get access to the rest of our award-winning podcasts.

If you're already a subscriber, visit Economist.com slash The World In Brief.

Or visit the Economist app to start listening. Here's today's free edition.

This is the Worldin brief from The Economist.

Our top stories.

Israel launched its long-anticipated retaliation for an Iranian missile attack on October 1st.

The Israeli Defence Forces said they had completed, precise and targeted strikes.

Iran played down the damage and said that four soldiers had been killed.

Its foreign ministry said that the country was entitled and obligated to defend itself,

but that it recognized its responsibilities towards regional peace and security.

President Joe Biden expressed hopes that Israel's retaliation against Iran, which had been limited to military targets,

could mark the end.

Earlier the White House said that it had been informed of Israel's plans,

but that America was not involved in the strikes.

Saudi Arabia and Oman condemned the attack as a breach of Iranian sovereignty and international law.

Voting in Georgia's keenly watched parliamentary election wrapped up with rival sides claiming they had won based on divergent exit polls.

The Central Electoral Commission said the governing Georgian dream, won 53% of the vote

with more than two-thirds of precincts counted.

...