In an exclusive interview, senior US officials discussed the recent Israeli airstrikes against Iranian military targets, which many view as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. This military action was widely anticipated as a response to a missile barrage launched by Iran on October 1, where an estimated 180 ballistic missiles were fired toward Tel Aviv and various military bases.
An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that the airstrikes had been completed on Saturday morning, targeting missile manufacturing sites and aerial defenses in multiple regions across Iran. Reports indicated that three distinct waves of strikes were carried out. Despite Iranian air defense claims of “limited damage” in areas such as Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam, a senior US official characterized the Israeli operation as “extensive” and “precise,” noting that it focused solely on military targets.
While the US did not directly participate in the airstrikes, the official indicated that the Biden administration had engaged with Israeli leaders to ensure the attacks minimized the risk to civilians. The intention, they emphasized, was to deliver a proportional self-defense response aimed at deterring future aggressive actions by Iran and degrading its military capabilities.
“This should mark the conclusion of direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran,” the official stated, reflecting on previous confrontations, including a notable one in April. The most recent strikes signaled a shift in the decades-long shadow conflict between the two countries into a more open confrontation.
Eyewitness accounts reported at least seven explosions across Tehran and the eastern city of Mashhad shortly after 2:30 AM local time during the Israeli airstrikes. Initially, Iranian media downplayed the seriousness of the situation, with state television affirming that the Tehran airport was operating normally despite strong explosions heard around the capital. Iranian air defense systems were activated throughout the country in response.
The Israel Defense Forces unequivocally acknowledged their attacks on Iran, a significant move given the persistent undercurrents of aggression between these rival nations. The IDF stated, “In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the state of Israel, the IDF is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran.”
The backdrop to these airstrikes is rooted in escalating tensions following the unprecedented missile assault by Iran, which Tehran launched in support of its ally Hezbollah amid Israel’s ground invasion and following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July. Though most of the missiles aimed at Israel were intercepted, the incident revealed vulnerabilities in Israel’s sophisticated air defenses, as some projectiles reached targets like the Nevatim airbase, resulting in one fatality in the occupied West Bank.
US President Joe Biden had previously cautioned Israel against targeting Iranian nuclear facilities or oil sites, aiming to prevent a conflict escalation that could drag the US into the fray and disrupt the global oil market. Analysts speculate that both Iran and Israel are navigating a precarious path, with the potential for miscalculation leading to broader hostilities.
Ahead of the strikes, Iran had issued clear warnings that it would defend itself without limits. A senior Iranian commander hinted that Tehran might restrain its response if Israel’s actions were deemed “limited” and non-lethal. Reports from US news outlet Axios suggested that officials from both the US and Israel believe Iran will likely respond militarily, though in a restricted manner.
The airstrikes were framed by Israel as a direct retaliation for an array of aggressions against it, including the tragic October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of another 250. In response, Israel launched extensive operations in Gaza, leading to catastrophic casualties among Palestinians and drawing in Iranian proxies across the region.
Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned that those attempting to harm Israel would “pay a heavy price.” As the situation unfolded, the White House was kept informed, underscoring the complex and volatile dynamics currently at play in the Middle East. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett reiterated that the US supports Israel’s targeted military actions as legitimate self-defense amid these escalating tensions.
