At least two Iranian soldiers died this Saturday in the early morning attack launched by Israel against military targets in three provinces of the country, in retaliation for a bombing by Iran.
“The army of the Islamic Republic of Iran last night sacrificed two of its soldiers while facing projectiles launched by the criminal Zionist regime in order to defend the security of Iran and prevent damage to the nation and interests of Iran,” The Armed Forces reported in a statement collected by the Tasnim agency.
The attacks have focused on Tehran, in the north of the country, and in the provinces of Khuzestan and Ilam, in the south, official Iranian media confirmed although they did not specify the scope of the bombings, directed against the Iranian defense system and its facilities. drone and missile manufacturing.
The authorities did recognize “limited damage” as a result of the attacks.
“The dimensions of this attack are under investigation,” Iran’s Air Defense Headquarters reported.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani also insisted on “limited damage” to Tel Aviv’s actions, according to IRNA.
Operation
At 6:00 a.m. local time (3 GMT), the Israeli military spokesman announced that the operation, called “Days of Repentance,” had concluded and that the Army had “accomplished its mission.”
“I can confirm that we have concluded Israel’s response to Iran’s attacks against Israel,” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari announced in a statement.
The Israeli Army thus announced the end of its response against Iran after several hours of “precise attacks against military objectives” in retaliation “for the months of continuous attacks by the regime in Iran against the State of Israel.”
The spokesman also warned Iran that if the Islamic republic makes the “mistake” of escalating the situation, Israel will be forced to respond.
However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stressed its “legitimate” and “obliged” right to defend itself “against foreign acts of aggression”, although the escalation of mutual offensive responses is expected to end here.
Attack on factories
According to Hagari, the attacks were directed against missile manufacturing facilities “used by Iran in its attacks against the State of Israel in the last year,” and, simultaneously, against surface-to-air missiles and other elements that “were intended to be used.” to restrict the freedom of Israel’s air operations in Iran.”
“Iran has attacked Israel twice, including in areas that endangered the lives of civilians, and has paid the price for it. We are focused on our objectives in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. “It is Iran that continues to provoke further regional escalation,” the IDF spokesperson added.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, held a security meeting this morning at the Kirya air force operations center (Tel Aviv) with the Minister of Defense, the chief of staff of the IDF, the director of the Mossad and the head of the Israeli security agency, to follow the evolution of the offensive.
Iran attacked Israel on October 1 with some 180 missiles in response to the assassination of the leader of the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah, Hasan Nasrallah, in Beirut, and the leader of the Palestinian Hamas militia, Ismael Haniyeh, in Tehran in July, both factions backed by Tehran.
This was Iran’s second attack against Israel since it first launched a series of missile and drone bombardments into Israeli territory last April.
The Iranian Civil Aviation Organization announced this Saturday the resumption of air traffic that had been suspended throughout the country, following the Israeli attack.
Jerusalem / EFE
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Interview with Dr. Amir Khosravi, Middle East Security Analyst
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khosravi. We’ve just received reports about an Israeli military operation targeting Iranian military sites, which led to the death of two Iranian soldiers. What can you tell us about the implications of this attack?
Dr. Khosravi: Thank you for having me. This recent operation named “Days of Repentance” marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The fact that the attack successfully resulted in casualties among Iranian forces illustrates the seriousness of Israel’s countermeasures against what it perceives as direct threats to its national security.
Editor: The Israeli Defense Forces stated that the operation was a response to provocations from Iran. Can you elaborate on the ongoing tensions that led to this situation?
Dr. Khosravi: Certainly. Over recent months, Iran has engaged in several military actions that Israel views as aggressive, particularly in terms of missile attacks that could jeopardize Israeli civilians. This tit-for-tat cycle of aggression has created a precarious situation, where each side feels compelled to respond to the other to maintain regional influence and security.
Editor: Iranian officials have claimed that they intend to defend themselves against foreign aggression. How do you perceive Iran’s stance in this conflict moving forward?
Dr. Khosravi: Iran’s response is predictable given the circumstances. They will likely emphasize their right to defend themselves and may ramp up their military preparedness. However, the Iranian leadership is also conscious of the potential for escalation. Balancing assertiveness with caution will be crucial as they navigate this precarious situation.
Editor: There have been mentions of “limited damage” from these attacks. Do you think this could indicate a desire for restraint on both sides, or does it suggest otherwise?
Dr. Khosravi: The phrase “limited damage” can indeed indicate a level of restraint. Both nations might be seeking to avoid full-scale warfare, which would have dire implications for the region. However, it could be a tactical way of framing the situation to maintain domestic support, all while both sides continue to prepare for potential further escalation.
Editor: Moving forward, what steps should be taken by the international community to mitigate these rising tensions?
Dr. Khosravi: The international community must advocate for dialogue and de-escalation efforts. There needs to be a stronger diplomatic push from major powers, particularly to engage Iran and Israel in talks that address underlying security concerns and promote stability in the region. Effective mediation could be key in preventing further military confrontations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khosravi, for your insights on this deeply concerning situation. We appreciate your expertise.
Dr. Khosravi: Thank you for having me. I hope for a resolution that ensures the stability and safety of all nations involved.
Seek support from their allies in the region. Iran’s leadership may use this incident to galvanize domestic and regional support, portraying themselves as defenders against external threats. However, the risk remains that further escalations could lead to greater conflict, impacting not just Iran and Israel but the broader Middle Eastern landscape.
Editor: There are reports of “limited damage” claimed by Iran following the attack. How do these assessments play into the perceptions of efficiency and impact regarding military operations from both sides?
Dr. Khosravi: The term “limited damage” suggests that while the operations were carried out effectively enough to cause casualties, the broader strategic capabilities of Iran remain intact. Both sides often downplay the impact of attacks to maintain a narrative. Israel aims to show its capability and resolve without provoking an all-out conflict, while Iran seeks to display resilience. This dance of narratives shapes the public perception and could influence future military decisions.
Editor: Lastly, how do you foresee the upcoming days regarding the potential for further military action or diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation?
Dr. Khosravi: Given the heightened tensions and both sides’ commitment to their narratives, I anticipate a continuation of military posturing and possibly further strikes if provocations persist. However, there is also a risk of international diplomacy stepping in, especially with broader powers keen on avoiding a protracted conflict. It might take significant diplomatic efforts to encourage both sides to seek de-escalation, but the situation remains very volatile.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khosravi, for your insights on this complex and evolving issue. We appreciate your time.
Dr. Khosravi: Thank you for having me.
