Stanisland Magazine

Iran reports loud explosions over its capital.

Israel conducted airstrikes over the capital, Tehran, in the early hours of the morning.

The Netanyahu regime said that it was “conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran,” in response to its assault earlier this month. A spokesperson said they’re responding to months of attacks by “Iran and its proxies.”

Iranian state media says its military intercepted a number of missiles. Several news outlets reported loud explosions that were later confirmed to be the activation of its national air defence systems.

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Retaliation Or Prestige?

Commentators questioned the legitimacy of Israel’s response, with many papers framing it as “retaliatory” strikes.

However, Tel Aviv’s actions are part of ongoing escalations in the Middle East.

This year alone, its intelligence service attacked an Iranian consulate in Syria and later targeted a compound on Iranian soil, killing former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing, which also killed his bodyguard Wassim Abu Shaaban. Explosives were planted in the building months before he visited. Seven people were killed in the consulate strike, including two generals, and Revolutionary Guard staff. It is illegal under international law to attack an embassy. This likely the cause of the recent increase in hostilities between the two.

In early October, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel following the assassination of Hezbollah leader, Hasan Nasrallah.

Israel’s Operation Is Now Over

According to sources, the Israeli military have concluded their response.

The strikes appear to be one of prestige, rather than to inflict damage. In total, 20 sites were struck.

Iran says multiple installations were targeted across the provinces of Ilam, Khuzestan and Tehran, causing what the military said was “limited damage” and casualties. Two soldiers were killed.

The republic’s national air defence command said they “successfully countered” advances, and expressed willingness to respond to any further “aggression”.

The United States was briefed on unfolding events, but did not participate stating it was an “exercise in self-defence”.

Elsewhere, Syria’s capital Damascus quelled incoming projectiles from unknown actors. It is widely believed to be an Israeli strike.

What Was Iran’s Reaction?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had already told the Iranian army to “prepare for war”. In the face of Israel’s attack, the state said they will “face a proportional reaction” following this “act of aggression”.

Yesterday, in the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post, journalist Salem Alketbi wrote: “Recent strikes and intelligence breaches targeting Iranian security institutions and their affiliated proxies, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon, make the scenario of assassinating Khamenei highly plausible.”

This will likely add fuel to a potential Iranian reply to protect its administration.

Who Has Condemned The Attack?

Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Oman condemned the attack .

More to come…