Iran has declared that the missile attack conducted last night was purely a defensive response. The targets of the operation were exclusively Israeli military facilities, according to Tehran. This development is part of the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with both nations exchanging warnings and retaliatory measures.
Tehran’s Statements
Iran’s Chief of General Staff, Mohammad Bagheri, addressed the press, stating that Iran would respond even more violently if Israel were to launch further attacks. Bagheri provided detailed insights into the missile strike, emphasizing that Israel has increasingly escalated its violence, supported by the U.S. He pointed out key events, including the assassinations of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the deputy commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force, General Abbas Nilfuroshan.
The Revolutionary Guards, under Bagheri’s command, reportedly took action in response to these provocations. Iran believes that the elimination of these figures has pushed the conflict into a new phase. As Bagheri stated, “We will not hesitate to escalate if Israel continues its aggression.”
Details of the Missile Operation
The missile operation, codenamed “Real Promise 2,” was a coordinated attack targeting several critical Israeli military bases. According to Iranian officials, this was a measured response, aimed at weakening Israel’s capacity to strike back. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that the missile strikes were aimed purely at military targets and emphasized that Iran’s actions could cease if Israel stopped its retaliatory moves.
However, Araghchi warned that if Israel did not halt its attacks, Iran would continue to respond with even greater force. This could signal further military engagements in the near future if a diplomatic resolution is not reached.
Weapons Used in the Operation
One of the most significant aspects of the “Real Promise 2” operation was the debut of Iran’s medium-range hypersonic “Fattah 1” missiles. These hypersonic missiles, known for their speed and precision, were used for the first time in a military operation against Israel. State media confirmed that around 200 missiles were launched during the attack, including Iranian-made Shahab-3 series ballistic missiles. These long-range missiles are capable of reaching key Israeli targets, and their deployment showcases Iran’s growing missile capabilities.
Military experts noted that these new weapons demonstrated Iran’s ability to strike deep into Israeli territory. The Shahab-3 missiles, in particular, have been in Iran’s arsenal for some time, but their use in combination with the new hypersonic missiles raised concerns about Iran’s enhanced missile capabilities.
Scope of the Attack
This missile operation represents the largest attack Iran has launched against Israel to date. According to Israeli army radio, approximately 200 missiles were fired at various military facilities. Israeli officials claimed that most of these missiles were intercepted by their sophisticated air defense systems, including the Iron Dome. However, several explosions were reported near Jerusalem and the Jordan River, with residents being urged to seek shelter.
Witnesses in the region reported hearing multiple loud explosions throughout the night, causing panic among the civilian population. Emergency services in Israel were put on high alert, and several roads were closed as authorities assessed the damage.
The attack not only sent a clear message to Israel but also heightened concerns among neighboring countries. The fact that a significant portion of the population was forced to seek shelter demonstrated the potential for this conflict to spiral into broader regional instability.
Consequences and Observations
These developments mark a clear escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Tehran’s actions, specifically the scale and intensity of this missile strike, have complicated the security situation in the region. This attack also demonstrated Iran’s willingness to use advanced missile technology, such as the Fattah 1 hypersonic missiles, in its military confrontations with Israel.
Experts in regional security are now closely monitoring the situation, as both Iran and Israel appear to be preparing for further military engagements. The use of hypersonic missiles by Iran, which can evade traditional missile defense systems, suggests that future confrontations could become even more difficult to contain. The attack on Israeli military facilities has put both countries on high alert, and the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern.
While Iran insists that its actions were purely defensive, the scale of the attack and the type of weaponry used signal a willingness to escalate the conflict if necessary. Tehran has framed this operation as a measured response to Israel’s ongoing military operations and assassinations of key figures in the region. Whether or not this justification will hold in the international arena remains to be seen.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The missile attack launched by Iran last night underscores the growing volatility in the Middle East. Tehran’s message is clear: it will not hesitate to escalate its military response if provoked further by Israeli actions. The use of advanced weaponry, such as hypersonic missiles, indicates that the conflict is entering a new phase, one that could see more devastating attacks in the future.
With tensions running high and the possibility of future missile strikes, both Israel and Iran are now at a critical juncture. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation will be key in the coming weeks, as continued military actions could push the region closer to full-scale war. The international community is likely to weigh in, with calls for restraint on both sides. However, as it stands, the region remains on edge, with the threat of further military conflict looming.
Source: NTV
