As had long been expected, Israel responded to the Iranian missile attack with multiple airstrikes against Iran. What is known about the attack.
Hit multiple targets
Late Saturday night, Israel struck multiple targets in different parts of Iran. Explosions were heard in the capital Tehran. The Israeli military said the “precise and targeted attack” targeted missile air defense systems and missile manufacturing facilities used to produce weapons aimed at Israel. Iran said the attack caused only “limited damage.”
Late Saturday night, Israel struck multiple targets in different parts of Iran.Image: trapezoid
It was initially unclear how violent the attack was. Neither Israel nor Iran provided details on the extent of the damage. Iran said the attacks targeted military bases in Ilam, Khuzestan and Tehran provinces.
The importance of unattacked locations
The attacks do not appear to have targeted facilities that would almost certainly trigger a strong reaction from Iran. Iran's oil infrastructure – a vital part of Iran's economy – and Iran's nuclear facilities are clearly not immune. U.S. President Joe Biden announced this month that he would not support an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.
The attack is over
Israel said the pre-dawn shelling would end the attack. “The retaliatory strike has been completed and the objective has been achieved,” Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Saturday morning.
Iran's Civil Aviation Organization said soon after that commercial flights disrupted by Israeli air strikes would resume.
Joel Gusansky, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, said the Israeli attack was intended to deter future aggression and “show that we will not remain silent.” At the same time, the embarrassment caused to Iran by the attack should be limited.
Angry and calls for restraint
The White House is eager for the attack to end direct fighting between Israel and Iran. It warned Iran not to respond.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there should be no “further escalation of the situation in the region”. He called on all camps to exercise restraint.
Iran's main Arab rival Saudi Arabia condemned the Israeli attack. This is a threat to the security of the region and “violates international law and norms.”
Turkey accuses Israel of “bringing our region to the brink of a major war.” “In the context of establishing international security and peace, ending Israel's terrorist activities in the region has become a historic responsibility,” the U.S. State Department said.
Syria and Iraq also condemned the attack.
Iran's response could be crucial
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced its response to the air strikes. These actions are clear violations of international law. Iran has the right to self-defense.
Israel said Saturday's attack was a response to Iranian airstrikes using missiles and drones in April and another missile attack in October. Many Iranian missiles are launched before reaching their targets.
Iran may again try to directly bombard Israel. But this could lead to another direct Israeli attack on Iranian territory at a time when Iranian defenses are weakened.
Iran could also encourage militant groups among its allies, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, to step up attacks. Both radical Islamist groups have suffered serious setbacks in their wars with Israel.
Sanan Wakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at London-based think tank Chatham House, expected Iran to “downplay the impact of the attack.” Iran's ability to operate is limited by its “own military constraints, economic constraints through sanctions, and the outcome of the U.S. election.” She said the outcome of November's presidential election could affect the course of further escalation. (dpa) (aargauerzeitung.ch)
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