The recent strike on Iran by Israel was not a sudden decision. The Biden administration had prior knowledge of Israel’s plans to retaliate for the Oct. 1 ballistic missile attack. Multiple conversations were held between U.S. and Israeli officials leading up to the strike on Friday night. The exact time of the attack was communicated to Washington on the day of the strike, indicating a coordinated effort between the two countries.
There was speculation earlier in the day about the imminent attack, especially after U.S. Central Command announced the deployment of more F-16 aircraft to the region. Despite the reinforcement of U.S. defenses, White House National Security Council communications director John Kirby did not confirm that an Israeli-led attack was forthcoming. However, the U.S. showed its unwavering commitment to Jerusalem by reinforcing its presence in the region.
Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Iran, dubbed “Days of Repentance,” began early Saturday morning local time. According to NSC spokesman Sean Savett, the operation was initiated as an exercise of self-defense in response to Iran’s previous missile attack on Israel. Approximately 140 Air Force planes were reportedly involved in the assault, with the IDF declaring the operation as “completed” after three hours.
Following the attacks, the Pentagon released a statement reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s security and right to self-defense. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to receive updates on the strikes. The statement emphasized the U.S.’s determination to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions in the region.
The targets of Israel’s attack were military and intelligence-related, according to a senior Israeli defense source. While neither U.S. nor Israeli officials have commented on the effectiveness of the strikes, reports indicate that Iran’s air defense system may have been damaged. Iranian news sources have vowed to respond to any attack from Israel, suggesting a potential escalation in hostilities.
The IDF targeted missile manufacturing facilities in Iran that were used to produce missiles fired at Israel in the past year. The strikes were aimed at neutralizing immediate threats to Israeli citizens. While there are conflicting reports about the success of the attacks, the situation remains tense between Israel and Iran.
Overall, the coordinated efforts between the U.S. and Israel in the recent strike on Iran highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments between these two nations.
