October 26th 2024.
On Saturday, Israel launched airstrikes on military targets in Iran in response to the ballistic missiles fired by the Islamic Republic earlier this month. This was the first time that Israel openly attacked Iran, causing concern about the potential for further escalation between the two countries.
According to the Israeli military, the airstrikes targeted facilities that Iran used to manufacture the missiles that were fired at Israel. They also hit surface-to-air missile sites. However, there was no indication that oil or nuclear sites were struck. Iran downplayed the damage caused by the strikes, and both countries seemed to be trying to avoid a more serious escalation at the moment.
The airstrikes have raised tensions between these archenemies, as they are already involved in conflicts throughout the Middle East. Iranian-backed militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah are at war with Israel, and these airstrikes could potentially push them closer to all-out war.
Following the airstrikes, Iran's Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that they have the right to defend themselves against foreign aggression. The Foreign Minister also called for the United Nations Security Council to condemn Israel for the attacks. However, Iran's military later issued a statement suggesting that they would prioritize a cease-fire in Israel's ground offensives in Gaza and Lebanon over retaliatory strikes.
Reports from Iran's state-run news agency stated that four people were killed in the airstrikes, all of them military personnel. The military claimed that the strikes targeted bases in multiple provinces, but there were no reports from the powerful Revolutionary Guard, who oversee Iran's ballistic missile arsenal.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his condolences for the deaths and warned against future attacks. He also stated that the people of Iran will defend their land fearlessly and respond to aggression with intelligence.
US President Joe Biden was informed about the airstrikes by Israel before they took place. He stated that it seemed like only military targets were hit and that his administration had received assurances from Israel that they would not target nuclear facilities or oil installations. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran's nuclear facilities were not impacted.
This is the first time that Israel has openly attacked Iran, and it comes after Iran launched a barrage of missiles into Israel earlier this month. However, these missiles caused minimal damage and injuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran that they had made a big mistake and that Israel would respond if Iran were to escalate the situation.
The Israeli military released images of their preparations for the strikes, showing F-15 and F-16 warplanes ready to depart. In response, the Iranian military stated that Israel had fired lightweight missiles from a distance of 100 kilometers from the Iranian border, targeting air defense radar stations that were already under repair.
Iran's mission to the United Nations accused the US of being complicit in the attack, claiming that the US controls Iraqi airspace. However, Israel's attack did not target any highly visible or symbolic facilities that could provoke a significant response from Iran.
Yoel Guzansky, a researcher at Tel Aviv's Institute for National Security Studies, stated that the airstrikes give Israel room for escalation if needed. He also noted that targeting air defense systems weakens Iran's capabilities to defend against future attacks. Sanam Vakil, the director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the think tank Chatham House, believes that by targeting military sites and missile facilities instead of nuclear or energy infrastructure, Israel is sending a message that they do not want further escalation at this time.
After the strikes, the streets of Tehran were calm, with schools and shops open. However, there were long lines at gas stations, a common occurrence during times of military conflict. Some residents seemed anxious and avoided speaking to reporters about the situation. There have been mixed reactions at home and abroad to the airstrikes, with some praising Israel's actions while others express concern about the potential for further escalation.
The recent airstrikes carried out by Israel against Iran have sparked concerns for further escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The Associated Press has reported on the details of the attack, with writers Jon Gambrell, Adam Schreck, and Tia Goldenberg providing insights into the situation.
The Israeli military has openly taken responsibility for the pre-dawn strikes, which targeted military facilities used by Iran to produce the ballistic missiles fired at Israel earlier this month. It was a significant move, as it marked the first time that Israel has directly attacked Iran. However, it is worth noting that the strikes did not target Iran's oil or nuclear sites, as confirmed by the Israeli military.
According to the Associated Press, Iran has downplayed the impact of the airstrikes, with state-run media claiming that the damage was limited. This response, coupled with Israel's decision to avoid targeting critical facilities, suggests that both countries are trying to avoid further escalation for now. However, the situation remains tense, with ongoing violence in the region involving militant groups backed by Iran.
In response to the strikes, Iran's Foreign Ministry has issued a statement condemning the attack and stating that they have the right to defend themselves against foreign aggression. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also called for the United Nations Security Council to condemn Israel's actions. However, the Iranian military later issued a statement indicating that they would prioritize a cease-fire in Israel's ground offensives in Gaza and Lebanon over any retaliatory strike.
Iran's state-run IRNA news agency has reported that four people were killed in the strikes, all of them from the military air defense. The Iranian military has stated that the targets were military bases in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran provinces. However, the Revolutionary Guard, which oversees Iran's ballistic missile arsenal, has remained silent on the matter, raising questions about the effectiveness of the strikes.
In response to the attacks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has given his condolences to the families of the deceased and warned against future attacks. He emphasized that the people of Iran are standing fearlessly to defend their land and will respond to any aggression with tact and intelligence.
The United States also weighed in on the situation, with President Joe Biden stating that Israel had informed them before the strikes took place. He also mentioned that it seems like the attacks only targeted military sites and not civilian areas. The United States had previously received assurances from Israel that they would not hit nuclear or oil facilities, which have been confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Israel's decision to openly attack Iran is a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Iran has not faced such a sustained barrage of fire from a foreign enemy since the 1980s war with Iraq. The explosions could be heard in Tehran until sunrise, adding to the tension in the region.
The airstrikes also come after a limited attack by Israel in April, which targeted a Russian-made air defense battery near a major air base in Iran. In response, Iran had fired missiles and drones at Israel, causing minimal damage. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iran against further escalation, stating that they made a big mistake.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has also warned that any further escalation by Iran would result in a response from Israel. The images released by Israel's military show members preparing to depart for the airstrikes in American-made F-15 and F-16 warplanes.
Meanwhile, Iran's mission to the United Nations has accused the United States of complicity in the attack, claiming that the U.S. controls Iraqi airspace. However, experts believe that Israel's decision to avoid targeting highly visible or symbolic facilities may prevent a significant response from Iran.
Yoel Guzansky, a researcher at Tel Aviv's Institute for National Security Studies, believes that Israel's decision to target military sites and missile facilities instead of nuclear and energy infrastructure sends a message that they do not seek further escalation at this time. Sanam Vakil, the director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, also believes that the strikes show Israel's desire to avoid further escalation while also weakening Iran's air defense capabilities.
After the strikes, the streets of Tehran were calm, with schools and shops open. However, there were long lines at gas stations, a regular occurrence during times of heightened military tension. While some residents seemed anxious, others avoided conversations with the Associated Press reporter. The reactions to the strikes have been mixed both at home and abroad, with tensions and concerns for further escalation remaining high.
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