On October 26, Israel conducted precision airstrikes on missile manufacturing sites in Iran, retaliating for a significant Iranian missile assault on Israel on October 1. Iran confirmed the attacks and claimed to have executed a drone strike against Israel in response. The Israeli strikes reportedly caused limited damage and led to temporary flight suspensions in Iranian airspace. The U.S. was informed but did not participate in the operation, urging both nations to avoid escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Is another escalation on the horizon? On Saturday, October 26, Israel conducted ‘precision’ strikes on military installations in Iran, specifically targeting missile manufacturing facilities. These attacks were framed as retaliatory actions following an Iranian strike on Israel on October 1. Iran acknowledged the assaults, asserting that it had retaliated with a drone strike against a ‘military target’ in northern Israel. The United States, a key ally of Benjamin Netanyahu, was informed of these operations but stated it did not participate. Here’s what you need to know.
Targeted Locations
The initial explosions were reported around 2:15 AM local time on Friday, occurring primarily west of Tehran and in neighboring provinces close to Iraq, as per the official Irna news agency. The strikes focused on facilities for missile production, air defense systems, and other military assets. The Israeli military confirmed that it executed ‘precise and targeted’ strikes, which Iran verified.
Following a series of six explosions throughout the night, continued detonations accompanied by light trails were observed in central Tehran by AFP journalists. State television stated that the initial six blasts were ‘related to the activation of the air defense system against the Zionist regime’s operation’ that targeted three sites near Tehran, underscoring Iran’s refusal to recognize Israel.
Consequences of the Attack
According to Iranian sources, the Israeli assault resulted in ‘limited damage’. Reports indicated ‘no fires or explosions’ occurred at the capital’s main refinery, as noted by the local news agency Tasnim.
The Israeli military spokesperson conveyed that the strikes enabled Israel to gain ‘greater freedom of action’ within Iranian airspace. Shortly after the attacks, Iran’s civil aviation authority announced a temporary suspension of all flights within its airspace, though air traffic was later resumed. Neighboring Iraq also halted all air traffic during this period.
Reasons Behind the Retaliation
Israel justified its actions as a response to two Iranian military offensives. The most significant occurred on October 1 when Iran launched approximately 200 missiles at Israel, including hypersonic missiles for the first time. Iran characterized this wave of attacks as retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that had resulted in the deaths of an Iranian general and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a long-time adversary to Israel in the region. Iranian authorities also referenced the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the then-leader of Hamas, on Iranian soil, which they attributed to Israel.
Forecast of Further Actions
Following the Iranian aggression, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed a ‘deadly, precise, and surprising’ response. Reports from the Washington Post on October 14 revealed that Netanyahu had informed U.S. President Joe Biden of potential military actions against Iran’s military forces.
U.S. Involvement
While the United States was notified in advance about the Israeli strikes, it clarified that it was not directly involved in the operations, as confirmed by a U.S. defense official. Just days prior, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the ‘importance of Israel’s response being measured to avoid further escalation.’
Sean Savett, spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated, ‘We recognize Israel’s targeted strikes against military sites in Iran as self-defense actions due to the Iranian missile attack on October 1.’ He added, ‘We urge Iran to halt its assaults on Israel to prevent further conflict.’
The U.S. remains concerned about escalating tensions in the region. Recently, President Biden called on Israel to avoid striking Iranian oil facilities, while Republican candidate Donald Trump suggested that targeting Iran’s nuclear sites might be a viable option.