Israel launched pre-dawn airstrikes on Iran in response to ballistic missiles fired by the Islamic Republic earlier. The strikes targeted military bases in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran provinces, causing limited damage according to Iran’s military. The attacks were focused on facilities used by Iran to make missiles as well as surface-to-air missile sites. Explosions were heard in Tehran, but the damage was downplayed by the Iranian state-run media.
This escalation could bring Iran and Israel closer to all-out war at a time of heightened violence across the Middle East. Iran has been backing militant groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, who are already at war with Israel. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that Iran initiated the attacks on Israel, endangering civilians, and Israel has responded accordingly. This marks the first time Israel has openly attacked Iran and comes as part of its duty to respond to threats from Iran and its proxies in the region.
Iran acknowledged the blasts in Tehran but downplayed the attacks through its state-run media. Flights over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon were affected as Iran closed its airspace. The quick dismissal of the attacks may indicate Iran’s reluctance to further escalate the situation, potentially avoiding further consequences. The White House indicated that Israel’s strikes should end the direct exchange of fire between the two countries, warning Iran of consequences if it chooses to respond.
The tensions between Israel and Iran trace back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with Israel viewing Iran as its greatest threat due to calls for its destruction, support of anti-Israel militant groups, and nuclear program. The two countries have engaged in a shadow war, with Israel suspected of assassinating Iranian nuclear scientists and sabotaging nuclear installations. On the other hand, Iran has been blamed for attacks on shipping in the Middle East and supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels in their attacks on the Red Sea.
In a related development, Syria reported missile barrages targeting military sites in the southern and central regions early on Saturday, allegedly from the occupied Syrian Golan and Lebanese territories. Syrian air defences intercepted some missiles, but casualties were not immediately reported. The recent escalations add to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with significant casualties on both sides. As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, the involvement of regional and international players will be crucial in de-escalating the situation and preventing further violence.
