While Iran is geographically distant from Israel, the Lebanese border offers a symbolic representation. In Kfar Kila, Lebanon, Iranian leaders and symbols are prominently displayed, highlighting Iran’s transformation from an ally to a foe.
Despite most regional countries finding common ground with Israel, Iran maintains its animosity, positioning Israel as a central enemy in its quest for regional leadership. The elimination of Israel remains a key goal for the Iranian regime.
The distance posed a challenge for the Israeli Defense Forces’ air strike on June 13, involving 200 warplanes. The primary target was Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iranian state television showed footage of the attack on the Natanz facility. Explosions were reported in northeast Tehran, targeting senior commanders. Iran announced the death of the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and other commanders, as well as nuclear scientists.
Israel’s attack strategy involved neutralizing military leadership before targeting infrastructure, mirroring its previous operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The destruction of Hezbollah’s missile arsenal, which had posed a significant threat to Israel, was a key precursor. The missiles had been a deterrent against attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites.
An Israeli reserve officer expressed relief that the missiles were gone, after their destruction by Israeli bombs and the disruption of Hezbollah’s leadership. After dismantling Hezbollah, Israel turned its attention to Iran.
Iran was already humiliated. Israel had allegedly assassinated a Hamas leader in Tehran. The loss of Hezbollah outweighed Iran’s other regional gains. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel, which were largely unsuccessful due to interception by Israel, the U.S., and others.
This retaliation provided Israel with justification for a larger response, initiating precision strikes to disable Iranian air defenses as preparation for a larger assault. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced a multi-day operation targeting Iran’s ballistic missiles, emphasizing the need to eliminate these threats to ensure future security. He stated that inaction now would endanger future generations.
President Trump praised the attack. Israel released footage purportedly showing its commandos operating inside Iran and claimed to have killed Iranian air force leaders. Initial reports suggested the war was progressing favorably for Israel.
The operation resembles Israel’s preparations against Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza continues. Israel views Hamas as an Iranian proxy, despite ideological differences. The common goal of eliminating Israel unites them, and Hamas’s October 7 attack was intended to trigger a larger conflict. The plan was that, following the initial strike from Gaza, Hezbollah would launch a major assault from the north, leading to Israel’s collapse.
Instead, Iran directed Hezbollah to maintain a limited engagement, signaling a continuation of the status quo, with no significant escalation.