Author: Kumail Mehdi

Israel announced that it launched “precise strikes on military targets in Iran” at approximately 2:30 a.m. local time on Saturday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the strikes were completed by around 6:00 a.m., claiming the “mission was fulfilled.” The IDF stated that these strikes were a response to “months of continuous attacks” from Iran, particularly following a barrage of Iranian missiles launched at Israel on October 1. Targets of the airstrikes included missile manufacturing facilities and surface-to-air missile arrays. Notably, there have been no reports of hits on Iranian nuclear facilities or oil fields, which the U.S.…

Saudi Arabia has issued a strong condemnation of the recent military actions targeting Iran, labeling them a “violation of its sovereignty” and a breach of international law. This statement was released through the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA). While refraining from directly naming Israel, the Kingdom urged all involved parties to practice “maximum restraint.” Furthermore, Saudi Arabia called upon the international community to take proactive measures aimed at de-escalating tensions and resolving the ongoing regional conflict.

Israel may have issued a warning to Iran ahead of its recent strike. The broadcaster, reporting from Jordan due to restrictions on covering events from Israel and the West Bank, provided details on the series of approvals leading up to the strike. On Friday evening, Israel’s cabinet convened, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorizing the operation after briefing ministers in the preceding days. Israel has confirmed that all aircraft involved in the mission returned safely after being guided by extensive intelligence. In an intriguing development, Israeli media sources quoted unnamed officials suggesting that Israel sent…

While the Biden administration remains hopeful that Israel and Iran’s recent military exchanges will now subside, experts urge caution, suggesting that the situation may not yet be fully contained. A senior US official expressed confidence, stating, “This should be the end of this direct exchange of fire between Israel and Iran.” However, Andrew Tabler, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, noted that no administration can entirely predict how regional actors will respond, as reactions may depend on forthcoming statements from Tehran. He added that ongoing back-channel efforts could play a role in establishing a clearer mutual…

Following Israel’s recent strikes, Iranians are feeling “mostly relieved” as Israel refrained from hitting civilian infrastructure, according to Arash Azizi, author of What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom. In a recent CNN interview, Azizi shared insights from conversations with sources in Tehran who felt that their worst fears had not materialized. Azizi highlighted that Israel’s strikes avoided critical areas like oil refineries, power plants, and water facilities, while also steering clear of political and military officials. “I have spoken to several sources in Tehran in the last few hours, and I think they are mostly relieved,” he said. While some…

In light of Israel’s recent airstrikes, Iran might hesitate before launching a forceful response, according to Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australia Strategic Policy Institute. Speaking with CNN, Davis noted that while the Israeli attack was “limited” and “precise,” it dealt a significant blow to Iran’s standing, leaving Tehran in a precarious position. “This is certainly embarrassing for Iran,” Davis said. However, he questioned whether Iran would risk escalating the situation further, especially as a stronger response might prompt Israel to intensify its focus on high-stakes targets like Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities or even members of Iran’s…

The restrained scope of Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran highlights an unusual display of American influence in the region’s latest military escalation, according to Gideon Levy, an advisor to former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Levy shared that Washington has been urging Israel in recent weeks to avoid targeting critical Iranian infrastructure, specifically nuclear sites and oil fields. In line with this counsel, Israel’s retaliatory strikes focused strictly on Iran’s missile production facilities and air defense systems, a measured response to Tehran’s earlier missile attacks. “For a moment, logic prevailed,” Levy remarked, crediting the US for Israel’s unusually contained response.…

Initial Strikes and Israeli Objectives In a significant escalation, Israel launched targeted airstrikes on Iranian military sites on the night of October 25-26, 2024. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari announced that these attacks were a direct response to ongoing hostile actions from Iran against Israel. Though Israel’s strikes aimed at military installations, the country notably avoided hitting Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities, indicating a restrained approach amidst escalating tensions. US Influence and Strategic Limitations Analysts suggest that the United States played a crucial role in limiting Israel’s target selection, advising against attacks on Iran’s nuclear and oil assets…

Iran Reportedly attack Iran: The Israeli military has announced it is targeting military installations in Iran, citing months of assaults from “Iran and its proxies” in the region. Iran has not yet responded to these developments. Multiple explosions have been reported in the vicinity of Tehran, and air defense systems have been activated in the capital. Iranian media indicate that no sites belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have been impacted. In Gaza, the civil defense agency reports that Israeli drone strikes have resulted in the deaths of 12 Palestinians who were waiting to receive essential humanitarian aid…

Hebrew media has reported on the substantial financial toll for Israel associated with the assassination of Hezbollah’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah—a mission executed in “just 10 seconds.” According to a YNET report, escalating the conflict to Lebanon has placed a heavy burden on Israel’s finances, with approximately 25 billion Israeli shekels (around USD 6.7 billion) allocated to the campaign over nearly 50 days since early September. A senior Israeli military official confirmed that bunker-buster munitions targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters in Dahiyeh, Beirut, cost Israel around 25 million shekels (USD 6.7 million) in just a few seconds.