President Joe Biden reportedly played a key role in coordinating Israel’s recent strikes on Iran, a move intended to “deter further attacks” and prevent escalation in the region. According to a senior White House official, Biden worked closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over recent weeks, advising Israel on a “targeted and proportional” response to Iranian missile and drone facilities.
The early morning raids on Saturday targeted approximately 20 sites, including Iranian missile manufacturing facilities, air defense systems, and drone bases. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) described the strikes as “precise” attacks on military targets in Tehran, aimed at disrupting missile capabilities used against Israel. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari of the IDF warned Iran that any counterattack would “obligate” Israel to respond, asserting that “all those who threaten the state of Israel…will pay a heavy price.”
The recent airstrikes were launched in response to Iran’s October 1 missile attack, during which 200 ballistic missiles targeted Israel, causing significant damage to Israel’s Nevatim airbase. This was Iran’s second major attack in six months and demonstrated its ability to penetrate Israel’s advanced air defenses. Iran claimed this offensive was in retaliation for an Israeli-led strike in Lebanon that killed Brig-Gen Abbas Nilforoushan, a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Iran’s National Air Defense Headquarters called the strikes “provocative” and reported limited damage, claiming that Iranian air defenses intercepted many of the attacks. State-run news agency IRNA assured residents that the loud explosions heard across Tehran were related to their defense efforts. However, Israeli sources reported successful missions across multiple sites. Additional reports from Al-Mayadeen, a Lebanese news outlet, noted explosions in Diyala and Salah al-Din in Iraq, as well as Damascus, Syria, indicating a possible broader regional escalation.
As the dust settles, tensions remain high, and all eyes are on Tehran’s next move. Will Iran respond to Israel’s actions, or will Biden’s coordination help prevent further conflict? For now, the region awaits the impact of this targeted strike.
