Details of preliminary Israel's strikes on Iran, The New York Times reports
Illustrative photo (getty images)
Israel’s attacks on Iran early Saturday destroyed air defense systems designed to protect several critical oil refining and petrochemical facilities, as well as systems guarding a large gas field and a major port in southern Iran, according to The New York Times.
According to three Iranian officials and three senior Israeli Defense Ministry (IDF) officials, Israel targeted defense installations at the large petrochemical complex of Bandar Imam Khomeini in Khuzestan province, in the major economic port of Bandar Imam Khomeini adjacent to it, and at the Abadan oil refinery. Air defense systems were also hit in Ilam province at the gas field refinery known as Tange Bijar.
Three Iranian officials reported that Israel’s destruction of the air defense systems has caused deep concern in Iran, as key energy and economic hubs are now vulnerable to future attacks if the cycle of retaliation between Iran and Israel continues.
Two Israeli officials stated that initial plans, developed immediately after Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles at Israel in early October, included strikes on targets linked to Iran’s energy industry and nuclear project.
Israel's response to the Iranian attack on October 1
On Saturday, October 26, Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets in response to the large-scale ballistic missile assault on Israel earlier in October. Reports indicated multiple explosions in Tehran and other cities. The IDF officially confirmed the attack, stating that precise strikes targeted Iranian military facilities.
Iran and Iraq closed their airspace.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, the first wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory targeted missile production and air defense sites.
Hours later, the Israel Defense Forces announced it had completed nighttime airstrikes on Iranian military targets.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli assault on its military facilities, asserting its firm opposition and right to self-defense. Some media reported that Iran conveyed, through third-party nations, that it does not intend to retaliate against Israel’s strike.
