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Israel Strikes Iran: Full Summary

Posted on by Gerres
Israel Strikes Iran: Full Summary

Everything you need to know about Israel’s attack on Iran last night.

Israel carried out direct attacks on Iran on the night of Friday, October 25, to Saturday, October 26, 2024, in a major counterattack after Tehran’s missile offensive earlier this month. Amid growing concerns that long-running tensions between the two military powers could escalate into a full-scale regional conflict, a full summary of the operation is provided below.

Abstract

The Israeli military reported hitting “precision” military targets in Iran, while Iranian state media shared reports of multiple explosions. Israeli sources clarified that these attacks did not target any energy facilities. Iranian state media said military facilities in three provinces (Tehran, Ilam and Khuzestan) were affected, although it said air defenses kept the damage “limited.” Israeli officials noted that this also includes striking Iranian military assets F-35I Adir Stealth aircraft and came after weeks of intense discussions within the Israeli security government, given both the timing and scope of the response.

More details

Early Saturday morning, just after 2 a.m. local time, Tehran and several nearby military facilities were rocked by hours-long explosions as Israeli forces launched direct attacks on Iran. Israeli state broadcasters later confirmed that three waves of attacks were carried out before dawn, officially ending the operation. In particular, the second and third waves targeted Iran’s drone and missile production sites.

According to Israeli media reports, more than 100 aircraft, including F-35I Adir stealth fighters and drones, took part in the 2,000-kilometer raid. Although the United States was notified before the attacks in Iran, it did not participate in the operation.

The attack was announced at 5:45 a.m. Israeli time (6:15 a.m. Iranian standard time) as the sun began to rise over Tehran.

While details about the air attack remain beyond official statements, it seems highly likely that the initial wave included a combination of unmanned aerial vehicles and stand-off precision munitions, complemented by robust electronic warfare and cyber capabilities, both areas in which Israel has consistently demonstrated high proficiency in previous operations. The use of these non-kinetic capabilities would effectively neutralize or “blind” Iranian air defenses, providing Israeli forces with a wider operating window and greater freedom to move through Iranian airspace to strike targets with minimal risk. Moreover, given the sophistication of these tactics, it is possible that the strike did not require deep penetration of Iranian airspace but involved precision strikes from safe distances.

Iran downplayed the attack, and Iranian officials said their air defenses successfully intercepted some Israeli attacks on military targets located in Tehran, Khuzestan and Ilam provinces. According to Iranian sources, despite the scale of the operation, the damage was relatively minor.

However, while the Iranian media works hard to maintain an image of normality, the impact on both nations is undeniable, and the latest attack is the first time since the Iran-Iraq War that Tehran has been hit directly, presenting it with a true challenge to the regime’s claims.

In announcing the attack, the Israel Defense Forces said they deliberately targeted key Iranian military facilities in direct response to repeated attacks from Tehran. They called the attacks “precise” and “targeted,” aiming to make clear that Israel will not stand idly by as Iran-linked groups continue their attacks. The statement went on to confirm that the strikes were focused on facilities related to missile production and anti-aircraft missile capabilities.

Following the attacks, Israeli officials indicated that they had successfully completed the mission and all aircraft returned safely to their bases. Importantly, Israel clarified that their attacks avoided both energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities in Iran, likely out of caution due to broader international ramifications. US President Joe Biden has advised Israel against striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure or oil fields to avoid drawing in other nations or triggering a larger conflict. According to a senior U.S. official, the administration hopes these latest “targeted and proportionate attacks” will end all direct fire between Israel and Iran for now. However, the United States is also still ready to step in and support Israel if Iran retaliates.

Meanwhile, Iranian media broadcast footage showing intense anti-aircraft fire lighting up the sky over central Tehran, although it did not specify which specific locations were attacked. After a brief interruption in air traffic during the strikes, Iranian authorities resumed flights at 9 a.m., as did neighboring Iraq. Syrian state news agency SANA reported that Israeli airstrikes also hit military targets in the central and southern regions of Syria, although Israel did not comment on the reports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and top security officials closely monitored the operation from a military command center in Tel Aviv. Defense Minister Gallant also established contact with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who strengthened the United States’ commitment to supporting Israel and defending American assets in the Middle East. Although Washington knew of Israel’s intentions in advance, it was reported not to be involved in the actual operation, despite the transfer of more assets to the region. Therefore, the deployment of F-16s from the 480th Fighter Squadron based at Spangdahlem AB, a unit specializing in SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses), caused some noise.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in the Middle East looking for ways to de-escalate, noted Wednesday that an Israeli counterattack should avoid triggering a broader escalation, indicating the United States’ desire to prevent the situation from spiraling further.

To further support Israel in light of these latest developments, President Biden has decided to send the US THAAD missile defense system to Israeli soil, along with approximately 100 US personnel to operate it. This system is a significant addition to Israel’s already robust missile defense capabilities, providing it with greater protection should Iran or any Iran-aligned group decide to respond. The move signals to both Israel and Iran that the United States remains deeply committed to its alliances in the Middle East and will continue to help defend Israel if further escalation occurs.

Meanwhile, the immediate situation remains tense, with many across the region wondering what Iran’s next move might be. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned Israel against any form of attack, emphasizing that “Iran reserves the right to respond to any aggression.” Semi-official Iranian news sources suggested that Israel could expect a “proportionate response” if hostilities continue. At the same time, a senior Biden official stressed that Washington hopes the latest round of “targeted and proportionate” attacks will end the back-and-forth exchange of fire between the two countries and that any escalation beyond that could have serious consequences for both.

For a detailed chronological description of the operation, I suggest you check out the following excellent X-thread written by our friend and contributor Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555).