US warns Israel not to attack Iran’s nuclear sites | BBC News

Summary

Iran launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel, with Iran's president asserting the country does not seek war but will respond if Israel retaliates. The attack targeted Israeli military bases, including the Nevatim Airbase and near Mossad's headquarters, though Israel claims minimal impact. Iran's actions are framed as part of its 'Ring of Fire' defense strategy, involving militias across the region. While Iran's strike was significant, it aims to avoid a full-scale war. Israel is expected to retaliate, potentially targeting military or economic sites, though U.S. President Biden opposes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Iran launched an unprecedented missile attack on Israel last night.
• 🇮🇷 Iran's president stated that while they are not seeking war, they will respond strongly if Israel retaliates.
• 💥 The missile attack was framed as revenge for the death of Iranian allies, carried out by orders of Iran's leadership.
• 🔗 Iran's 'Ring of Fire' militias, including Hezbollah and groups in Gaza, Syria, and Iraq, were part of the broader conflict.
• 🇮🇱 Israel has previously struck these militias and is expected to retaliate for the recent attack.
• 💣 Iran used faster ballistic missiles and launched more of them compared to an April strike.
• 🛡 Israel's defense systems intercepted many missiles, but some still struck military targets like the Nevatim Airbase.
• 🏢 One missile strike landed near the headquarters of Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad.
• 🇮🇷 Iran has warned of even stronger retaliation if Israel strikes back.
• 📊 Israel's possible responses include targeting Iran's military, nuclear, or economic assets, but U.S. support for targeting nuclear sites was declined.

Q & A

What prompted Iran to launch missile attacks on Israel?

Iran launched the missile attacks in retaliation for the assassination of Hassan Nasah, a Hezbollah chief, which crossed a red line for Iran. Iran considers it necessary to protect its allied militias, often referred to as its 'Ring of Fire,' from Israeli strikes.

How many missiles did Iran launch towards Israel?

Iran launched around 180 missiles towards Israel in this latest attack.

What was Iran's message to Israel following the missile attack?

Iran warned Israel that if it retaliated for the missile strikes, Iran would respond even harder with harsher reactions.

What is the role of Iran's Supreme Leader in the conflict?

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, plays a crucial role in directing Iran's actions. He is revered by his supporters and has a deep distrust of the West, viewing America and European countries as the root cause of wars in the region.

Which countries or groups form part of Iran’s ‘Ring of Fire’ militias?

Iran’s ‘Ring of Fire’ militias include Hezbollah in Lebanon, groups in Syria, Iraq, Gaza, and as far away as the Houthis in Yemen. These militias serve as Iran’s forward defense in the region.

What damage did Iran’s missile strikes cause in Israel?

The BBC verified that some of Iran’s missiles hit military targets, including the Nevatim Airbase used by the Israeli Air Force. However, Israel claimed that the base’s operations were unaffected.

How successful was Israel in defending against the missile attack?

Israel's air defense systems managed to shoot down many of the incoming missiles, but some still reached their targets, including military bases.

What potential responses might Israel consider following Iran's attack?

Israel might target Iran’s military bases, economic infrastructure like the Abadan oil refinery, or possibly its nuclear facilities, although striking the latter would likely require U.S. assistance.

Did the United States support Israel striking Iran’s nuclear sites?

When asked about supporting Israel in targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, President Biden responded 'no,' indicating a lack of support for such an action.

What is Iran's broader strategy in its conflict with Israel?

Iran aims to strike hard enough to send a message to Israel, but it seeks to avoid escalating the conflict into a full-scale war that it believes it cannot win. Its primary focus is on preserving the Islamic Republic and its power at home.