Israel Attacks Iran: Escalating Middle East Tensions
On the night between Friday and Saturday, Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, though the precise targets remain unclear. So far, Israel has only stated that it is attacking “military objectives.” According to AFP, Iranian state television reports that operations at Tehran’s two airports continue as normal.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, observed that while images and videos from Iranian semi-official media depict a calm environment, the situation on social media within Iran suggests otherwise.
Taleblu, an expert on Iran’s security and political affairs, noted it is unclear whether Israel’s focus is solely on missile production facilities or if the entire aerospace network of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard is being targeted. He added that the apparent goal of these strikes is to eliminate the threat posed by Iran’s long-range missiles.
An Iranian social media user reported hearing explosions near Imam Khomeini Airport in southern Tehran, describing them as very close. Another user mentioned, “Tehran residents woke up to the terrifying sound of three consecutive explosions at 2:14 am.” Some reported hearing blasts along the Tehran-Karaj road.
U.S. Not Involved in the Attacks
In the U.S., the White House commented that Israel appears to be carrying out these strikes as a defensive measure. A spokesperson for the National Security Council stated that Israel is likely targeting military objectives in Iran in response to ballistic missile attacks launched against Israel on October 1.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, currently campaigning in Texas, have been briefed on the Israeli strikes against Iran. An American defense official confirmed that while the U.S. was aware of the operation in advance, it was not involved in the airstrikes.
Israel’s Response to Iranian Ballistic Missile Attacks
Israel has confirmed that it carried out precise strikes on military targets in Iran, although it is yet to clarify which locations were targeted or the extent of the damage. The recent strikes follow Iran’s launch of approximately 200 ballistic missiles toward Israel earlier this month. Israel responded with retaliatory attacks without disclosing specific targets or timelines.
Previously, in April of this year, Israel targeted the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, after which Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel.
Israel Concludes Strikes, Warns Against Iranian Retaliation
Israel’s military spokesperson announced that the strikes on Iranian military bases have concluded, stating, “Our aircraft have returned home safely.” Two U.S. defense officials disclosed that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held discussions with his Israeli counterpart regarding the attacks.
In response, the U.S. administration has urged Iran not to retaliate, warning that further escalation could have serious consequences. The U.S. reiterated its preference to avoid increased hostilities in the region.
