Israeli warplanes fired missiles on Iran during a retaliatory strike early Friday morning, according to one Western official and two Iranian officials. This attack included more advanced firepower than initially reported, raising questions about the types of missiles used, where they were fired from, and their impact.
The Western official and Iranian officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the classified nature of the information, revealed that the attack was not detected by Iran’s air defense system. This contrasts with Iran’s recent attack on Israel, which involved hundreds of missiles and drones fired from Iranian territory.
Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for the attack, nor has it commented on the use of planes or missiles. The strike was reportedly in response to Iran’s attack last weekend, which was perceived as an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Despite the lack of public acknowledgment, Iranian officials believe that Israel’s attack was meant to demonstrate its capabilities while avoiding further escalation. The use of drones seemingly launched from inside Iran’s territory suggests a strategic shift in Israel’s approach to the conflict.
Both countries have remained relatively quiet about the attack, signaling a potential desire to de-escalate tensions and avoid a broader regional conflict. Iran’s response to the attack, as well as Israel’s reluctance to claim responsibility, indicate a delicate balance of power and deterrence in the ongoing shadow war between the two nations.
Overall, the attack highlights the complex and volatile nature of the relationship between Israel and Iran, with both sides carefully calculating their moves to avoid a potentially devastating conflict.