Recent airstrikes carried out by Israel against Iran have intensified already heightened tensions between the two nations, prompting serious questions about the future of their relationship and regional stability. These actions, described by Israel as “precise and targeted,” were in retaliation for earlier strikes from Tehran, marking a dangerous escalation in a long-simmering conflict. To understand why Iran might be perceived as “attacking Israel today,” it’s crucial to examine the sequence of events, the underlying motivations, and the broader context of their adversarial relationship.
The Timeline of Recent Hostilities
The latest exchange of fire unfolded with Israel launching airstrikes on Iranian military sites on Saturday. This action followed a previous barrage of strikes initiated by Iran against Israel earlier in the month. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the targets were military installations across several regions, with reports indicating a missile production site was among those hit. Iran’s military acknowledged casualties, including both soldiers and a civilian.
Reuters Hazy skyline picture of Tehran on the morning after the strikes
These strikes represent just the most recent chapter in a series of escalating actions between Israel and Iran, fueling fears of a full-scale war that could destabilize the entire Middle East.
How the Attacks Unfolded
Around 02:15 local time on Saturday, explosions were reported by Iranian media in and around Tehran. Social media footage, verified by the BBC, showed projectiles over the city, and residents reported hearing loud explosions.
The IDF’s operation, conducted over three hours, involved multiple waves of aircraft, including jets and drones. Israeli targets included Iranian air defenses, missile and drone production facilities, and launch sites. Reuters reported, citing analysts of satellite imagery, that buildings within the Parchin military complex near Tehran were struck, potentially significantly hindering Iran’s missile production capabilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, overseeing the operation from the IDF command center, stated that Israel had “severely damaged Iran’s defense capability and its ability to produce missiles.” He asserted a principle of retaliation: “whoever hurts us, we hurt him.”
The White House characterized the strikes as an act of “self-defense.” A senior US administration official indicated that the US had collaborated with Israel to ensure a “targeted and proportional” response, and notably, that Iranian oil infrastructure and nuclear facilities were not targeted, aligning with President Biden’s prior requests to Israel.
Assessing the Impact of the Strikes
While Iran has downplayed the effects of the strikes, claiming most missiles were intercepted and damage was “limited,” evidence suggests otherwise. BBC Verify confirmed damage to a defense ministry base east of Tehran and an air defense base to the south.
In a seemingly measured response, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei suggested that the attacks should neither be “exaggerated or downplayed.” He indicated that Iranian authorities would determine how to respond to convey the nation’s power and will to Israel, and to take actions that serve Iranian interests.
Conversely, the IDF claimed to have hit around 20 targets, with Netanyahu describing the operation as “precise and powerful” and successful in achieving its objectives. The Iranian military confirmed the deaths of four soldiers and state media reported one civilian death.
The Root Causes: Why is Iran Perceived as “Attacking” Israel?
To answer the question “Why Is Iran Attacking Israel Today,” it’s essential to understand the deeper roots of this conflict. Iran supports numerous groups across the Middle East, often termed “proxy groups,” that are vehemently opposed to Israel. These include Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which are currently engaged in conflict with Israel.
Iran’s direct attack on Israel in April, involving approximately 300 missiles and drones, was itself a retaliatory measure. It followed an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Syria, which resulted in the death of several high-ranking commanders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Subsequently, Israel conducted what it described as a “limited” strike on a missile defense system in Isfahan, Iran, to which Iran chose not to respond overtly. Further escalating the tensions, a top Hezbollah commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut in July. The following day, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an explosion in Tehran, for which Iran blamed Israel, though Israel did not officially comment. In late September, reports suggested Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and a high-ranking Iranian official in Beirut.
On October 1, Iran launched around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, stating it was a response to the deaths of Haniyeh, Nasrallah, and the Iranian official. Israel’s recent strikes are the latest response in this cycle of retaliation. Therefore, from Israel’s perspective, their actions are a response to ongoing and prior Iranian aggression, thus framing the question as “why is Iran attacking Israel today.”
Immediate Aftermath and Future Trajectory
Despite the recent exchange, Netanyahu’s office denied reports that Israel had provided Iran with advance notice of the strikes, contradicting claims that Israel warned Tehran against retaliation. However, the strikes were perceived as more limited than some anticipated.
The IDF stated its focus remains on objectives in Gaza and Lebanon, accusing Iran of pushing for broader regional escalation. A senior US official suggested the recent strikes should conclude the direct exchange of fire between Israel and Iran.
Iran’s foreign ministry asserted its right to self-defense and condemned the attack as a violation of international law. Yet, Tehran also signaled its recognition of its “responsibilities towards regional peace and security.”
Life Inside Iran Post-Strikes
Iranian state media portrayed a sense of normalcy in the aftermath of the strikes, with images of busy streets and open markets. While Iran briefly closed its airspace, it was later reopened.
However, the Iranian government’s efforts to downplay the impact are evident. The IRGC declared it a criminal offense to disseminate “images or news” about the attack to media outlets deemed “Israel-affiliated” or “hostile,” typically referring to Western media. Iranian media also reported charges filed against a website for “covering issues counter to national security.”
Global Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
International responses reflect a complex mix of understanding Israel’s security concerns and calls for de-escalation. US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett noted that Israel’s response avoided populated areas, contrasting it with Iran’s attack on Israeli civilian centers. Washington emphasized its goal to “accelerate diplomacy and de-escalate tensions.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense but urged restraint from all parties, particularly calling on Iran not to retaliate further.
Saudi Arabia condemned the attack and cautioned against actions that threaten regional security and stability. Egypt’s foreign ministry voiced similar concerns, while Hamas criticized the strikes as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and an escalation endangering regional security.
Ultimately, the question “why is Iran attacking Israel today” is answered by understanding a complex history of proxy conflicts, direct confrontations, and retaliatory actions. The recent strikes are a dangerous point in this ongoing saga, and the path forward remains uncertain as regional and international actors attempt to prevent further escalation into a wider conflict.
