A couple of hours ago Israel conducted a retaliation strike on Iran. The whole operation was carried out in close cooperation with the US. Here are the details that I’ve been able to extract from all the other garbage the various news media have been presenting. First, it was a very limited attack. Three missiles (drones?) hit an Iranian airbase near Isfahan. is also the location where the Iranian nuclear research facility of Natanz is located. It was NOT a target, but the proximity of the facility was probably used to let the Iranians know that if things get out of control, it could be. Natanz (Isfahan) is one of the more heavily protected areas in all Iran. The underlying message was ‘Israel isn’t interested in widening the war, but if Iran decides to do so, Israel can strike anywhere in Iran’. The US actually passed this message to Iran using ‘back-channel’ connections.
Iran has openly confirmed that the attack took place, but claimed that it suffered no damage or casualties. That was also a likely intent because actual serious damage or deaths would make it hard for Iran to avoid another round of responses. If this ends the crisis, it would mark a successful American intervention. So far, Iranian media have said their air defenses repelled the attack and any explosions heard were only those of defending weapons hitting the attacking missiles. Of course, Iranian media are totally under state control, just like the situation with their Hamas proxy in Gaza.
There are rumors that Israel might have received tacit permission for ground operations in Rafah (something the Americans have previously openly opposed). The hostage release talks appear to have failed. Military pressure in Rafah might be viewed as a means to alter the Hamas position. De facto withdrawal from Khan Yunis and major reductions in the strength of Israeli forces in Gaza, along with increases in the amount of ‘humanitarian’ aid entering via Israel (even including truckloads of cigarettes!) has not resulted in any change.
Wetherhorn 