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According to US and Israeli news outlets citing intelligence officials from both countries, Israel’s recent strikes on Iran have caused significant damage to Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs.

Let’s bring you up to speed: On Friday, Israel launched an early morning retaliatory strike against Iran in response to months of escalating attacks from Iran and its regional proxies, including a significant missile barrage earlier in October that targeted Israel. The strike occurred after 2 AM local time and targeted military sites across Iran. Israel stated that the strikes were necessary to defend its territory and prevent further attacks.

Two different views on the strikes:

One view: According to Israeli and US intelligence officials, the strikes destroyed key military infrastructure across Iran, including air defense systems, missile bases, and drone production facilities. The targeted attacks in the provinces of Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran primarily damaged radar systems. Additional strikes resulted in the deaths of four Iranian military personnel, with more injuries reported due to the disruption of Iran’s air defense capabilities. The Jerusalem Post, citing Israeli officials, reported that ‘over 100 planes were involved in the attack on Iran,’ including US-made F-35 fighter jets.

Another view: Iran has downplayed the impact of the Israeli strikes, stating that only radar systems were damaged during the attacks. According to Iranian military reports, the country’s air defense systems successfully intercepted many of the incoming strikes, minimizing the overall damage. The Iranian military also claimed that no missile or drone production facilities were affected, portraying the strikes as largely unsuccessful and under control. Notably, the country has warned civilians that they cannot post images or video from the attacks, citing national security concerns.

World leaders react:
US: Following the attack, President Biden issued a brief statement to reporters. He said, “It looks like they didn’t hit anything other than military targets. My hope is this is the end.”

UK: Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “I am clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression. I’m equally clear that we need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all sides to show restraint. Iran should not respond.”

Turkey: In a statement, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Israel, which is committing genocide in Gaza, preparing to annex the West Bank, and killing civilians every day in Lebanon, has now brought our region to the brink of a wider war with this attack. It is now clear that putting an end to Israeli terror in the region has become a historic task to ensure international security and peace. We do not want any further war, violence, or lawlessness in our region.”

Egypt: In a statement, Egypt’s Ministry of foreign affairs condemned “all actions that threaten the security and stability of the region.” They added that “Egypt stresses its position that a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip should be reached quickly within the framework of a deal through which hostages are released given that it is the only way to de-escalate.”

Germany: In a statement, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “My message to Iran is clear: massive escalating reactions must not continue. These must stop immediately. Only then can we open the possibility of a peaceful evolution in the Middle East.”

Saudi Arabia: In a statement, Saudi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The Kingdom affirms its firm position in its rejection of the continued escalation in the region and the expansion of the conflict that threatens the security and stability of the countries and peoples of the region.”

Russia: In a statement, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign affairs called for Israel to “stop provoking Iran into retaliatory actions and get out of the spiral of uncontrolled escalation.” They added that “all parties involved to exercise restraint, stop the violence and prevent events from developing into a catastrophic scenario.”