Tensions between Israel and Iran reached a peak on Friday with mutual attacks. Following Israel's massive airstrikes on Iran's military and nuclear facilities, Iran retaliated with ballistic missiles. In this escalation, the air defense support provided by the US to Israel further complicates the balance in the region.
Israel's "Preemptive" Strike and Iran's Casualties
On Thursday, without direct US assistance, Israel launched massive airstrikes across the country targeting senior military leaders and scientists involved in Iran’s nuclear program. Tel Aviv described the strikes as a “preemptive” move against Iran’s accelerating nuclear program. Israeli media reported that the attacks Senior military officials, including the Chief of Staff of Iran, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Hossein Salami and reportedly killed 6 nuclear scientists. These attacks occurred despite the Trump administration’s attempts to negotiate a deal with Iran and avoid conflict.
Iran’s “Overwhelming Response” and Missile Rain
In retaliation for Israel’s attacks, Iran launched “dozens” of missiles on Friday, including those aimed at civilians. “A few minutes ago, the operation to resolutely respond to the Zionist regime’s brutal aggression began with the launch of hundreds of ballistic missiles of various types into the occupied territories,” Iran’s official news agency IRNA said, adding that the retaliation was only the “beginning” of its “crushing response.” Iran claimed that the strikes hit Israel’s military-industrial centers used to produce missiles and other military equipment. Satellite imagery and intercepted intelligence showed that dozens of ballistic missiles effectively hit strategic targets, the statement said. There are also reports that explosions were heard in the skies of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and that some ballistic missiles even hit residential areas.
The Israel Defense Forces claimed that Iran launched fewer than 100 missiles and scored only “a few hits,” some of which were caused by debris from destroyed missiles.
US Air Defense Support to Israel and Military Presence in the Region
The U.S. military helped defend Israel from missiles fired by Iran on Friday. A U.S. defense official who confirmed the report did not say which American components were used or how many missile defense systems were needed. However, it was noted that U.S. European Command deployed two destroyers to the eastern Mediterranean ahead of the attack and that the destroyers could help defend against guided missile attacks.
The US normally has about 30.000 troops in the Middle East, but that number has increased to about 40.000 due to rising tensions in the region. The US has also moved military assets and air defense batteries to the Middle East during its previous air campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen to better protect its forces in the event of an Iranian attack.
This week's reciprocal attacks are a continuation of a year of unprecedented attacks between Iran and Israel, including missile strikes by Iran last April and October. U.S. forces defended Israel in both incidents, and Israel later retaliated for the October attack by destroying Iran's most advanced air defenses.
Trump's Statements and Regime Change Concerns
US President Donald Trump called on Iran to resume negotiations hours before the retaliatory attack. But he also stressed that Iran acquiring nuclear weapons was unacceptable to Washington. Trump said in a post on the social media platform Truth Social on Friday morning, “I have given Iran a chance to make a deal many times.” The White House confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Trump by phone on Friday.
The direct Israeli operation, which Tel Aviv has said will continue, now risks further escalating tensions between the two countries and risks leading to an all-out war that could draw in the US military. Another point that worries US analysts and former defense officials is the possibility that Israel's real goal is regime change in Iran.
Netanyahu's statement on Friday that "More is on the way" shows Israel's determination to continue its attacks and carries the potential to further escalate tensions in the region.
