In a significant escalation on Friday, the Israeli military reportedly launched retaliatory strikes days after Iran launched a barrage of over 300 suicide drones and missiles at Israel.
According to sources from both Israeli and Iranian officials, the strikes targeted a military air base near Isfahan, a city in central Iran.
The Attack
A US official told Axios that Israel had struck an Iranian military base in Isfahan. While Israeli officials have not officially confirmed the attack, they have previously vowed to retaliate against Iran for its aggression. The US, a key ally of Israel, has expressed concerns about further escalation in the region. Axios reported that Israel had informed the US in advance about its intentions.
The New York Times also confirmed the attack. Iranian officials told the Times that the attack targeted a military base in Isfahan. Several outlets have reported that the strike was a drone attack. According to Iranian media, air defences in Isfahan shot down several drones. However, the Jerusalem Post reported that long-range aircraft fired missiles at the base, citing Israeli officials.
The exact impact of the strike remains unclear. However, it appears that Israel opted for a "limited" response and avoided targeting Iranian nuclear facilities to prevent Iran from responding.
The Biden administration has urged Israel to exercise caution in its response to Iran, emphasising that further escalation could be detrimental to both Israeli and US interests.
Moreover, the fear of a wider regional conflict looms large, with the potential for broader implications beyond the immediate hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Iran's state media reported explosions in Isfahan Friday, as US media quoted officials saying Israel had carried out retaliatory strikes.
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) April 19, 2024
There has been no reaction from Israeli or Iranian officials and the extent of the damage is unclear. Iran's Tasnim news agency, citing… pic.twitter.com/3KND1sKkvS
The recent exchange of hostilities between the two countries stems from Iran’s retaliation for an Israeli airstrike near its embassy compound in Damascus, Syria. In response, Iran fired nearly 350 suicide drones and missiles against Israel, prompting a joint defence effort by Israeli, US, British, French, Jordanian, and Saudi forces. Most of the incoming drones and missiles were intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace.
History of Israel-Iran Tensions
Tensions between both sides have been longstanding, driven by ideological, geopolitical, and security concerns. Iran’s support for militant groups hostile to Israel, along with its nuclear ambitions and regional influence, has fueled Israeli apprehension.
In turn, Israel has pursued a policy of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its regional activities.
As both countries navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, the risk of miscalculation and unintended consequences remains a significant concern for regional stability.