Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran in retaliation for a barrage of missiles fired toward Israelis earlier in the month. Israeli airstrikes targeted military facilities in Iran, including missile exports, drones, ballistic missile transmitters, and air defense systems. Explosions were reported near Tehran, but the extent of damage has not been independently verified. The Israel Defense Forces stated that they were responding to continuous attacks by Iran against Israel and that they had the right to defend themselves. President Biden and Vice President Harris were briefed on the strikes and are closely monitoring the situation.
The U.S. was notified in advance of Israel’s plan to strike Iran but had no involvement in the operation. Israel launched targeted strikes against military targets in Iran as an exercise of self-defense in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack. Reports confirmed that military bases in Syria were also hit during the attacks. Iran reported that military bases near Tehran were targeted, but the situation in the capital was reported as normal. The Israeli military action came after Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed a “precise and deadly” response to the missiles Iran launched at Israel on October 1.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that the missiles fired at Israel were in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Israeli airstrikes. Israel had previously targeted Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in an operation in the Gaza Strip. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed vengeance for Nasrallah’s death, referring to him as the “flag-bearer of resistance.” The October 1 attack saw no casualties in Israel but resulted in the death of one Palestinian in the West Bank. The U.S. Navy deployed ballistic missile interceptors to help defend against Iranian aggression.
Iran has targeted Israel before, including a previous attack in April that involved over 300 missiles and drones. In response, Israel destroyed part of an Iranian air defense system. In an effort to bolster Israel’s defenses against future attacks, the U.S. sent a THAAD missile defense system to the Jewish state, along with around 100 troops to operate the system. The situation remains ongoing, with Israel continuing its targeted strikes in Iran. Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon stated that the response to Iran would be “very painful” and that the regime would have to consider the consequences of further attacks.
Overall, the conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated significantly, with Israel launching its largest attack on Iran in history in response to Iranian aggression. The U.S. has been monitoring the situation closely but has not been directly involved in the Israeli military operation. Both countries have exchanged retaliatory strikes, with no end in sight for the conflict. The international community is watching the situation closely, hoping for a resolution to the escalating violence between Israel and Iran.
