02/10/2024
Infobytes: Iran’s Direct Attack Against Israel: A Violation of a 45-Year Old Deterrence
Iran fired over 200 missiles at Israel. There were no immediate reports Israeli casualties from the barrage, which targeted Tel Aviv and other central parts of Israel. These ballistic missiles landed all over the country. This is something Israel has never experienced before in 76 years.
Although, the IDF said it intercepted a large number of the ballistic missiles, Israel said Iran ‘will pay’ for launching a major missile attack against it.
Iran has said it has concluded its attack on Israel. Speaking hours after the assault, regardless, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Iran made a big mistake tonight - and it will pay for it. The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to retaliate against our enemies.”
The United States of America has vowed to take action against Iran following its recent attack on Israel, which U.S. officials have deemed as ineffective but still a significant escalation. This situation has now become complex and volatile, with potential consequences of a world war if Iran would be able to coalesce other Islamic countries into going to war against Israel and the U.S.
Well, I think we're on the precipice of something that we really haven't experienced before, which would be a direct engagement, a direct military conflict between Israel and Iran.
The two countries have been locked in conflict for decades, but it has largely been a gray zone war. And for their part, the Iranians have primarily relied upon proxies, including and especially Hezbollah, in order to wreak violence against Israel.
With this latest attack, Iran has violated a deterrence that had held for 45 years, a direct attack from Iran against Israel, which does run the risk of a direct war between the two nations, which would have devastating consequences for Iran, the wider region, and the rest of the world.
I think the consequences will depend largely on a decision on the part of the Iran not to retaliate once Israel reprises since that is fundamentally the next step that Israel will be taking. If Israel were to attack Iran, it would be targeting its monuments, nuclear power plants, and oil refineries, it would likely have severe consequences. Such an attack would be considered a major escalation of the conflict between the two nations. Would Iran show restraint in the face of a possible escalation by Israel? Would the U.S. give Israel a blanket mandate to defend itself against Iran.
Iran is a country with a rich history and natural resources:
Ancient Monuments:
1. Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
2. Pasargadae (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
3. Golestan Palace
4. Ancient city of Susa
5. Imam Square (Naqsh-e Jahan Square)
Oil Refineries:
1. Abadan Refinery (one of the oldest and largest)
2. Isfahan Refinery
3. Tehran Refinery
4. Tabriz Refinery
5. Shiraz Refinery
Other Key Industries:
1. Natural Gas
2. Petrochemicals
3. Automotive
4. Textiles
5. Agriculture
Cultural Significance:
1. Home to one of the world's oldest civilizations (Persia)
2. Rich literary and poetic heritage (Rumi, Hafez)
3. Vibrant cuisine (kebabs, rice, herbs)
4. Traditional music and dance
5. Islamic architecture and art
