The latest Middle East: IDF confirms airstrikes on Tehran

Of Deborah Haynessecurity and defense editor

An announcement by Israel that it is only striking military targets in Iran is essential.

The world has been bracing for an Israeli retaliation against the Iranian regime ever since the Iranian military launched a barrage of more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel more than three weeks ago in response to Israeli attacks against its proxy forces in the region.

The Israeli government has promised a “tough” response. There has been speculation that this could include targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, energy infrastructure or even the country’s leadership.

However, if the attack is limited to purely military targets, then – depending on the extent of the damage – it could provide an opportunity for a de-escalation into a missile war that could ignite the region into a full-blown state. military conflict.

However, if the damage is significant, Iran would likely follow through on its promise to retaliate once more.

If this were to happen, the size of any Iranian counterattack would be an important indicator.

If Iran chose to reduce the number of missiles fired at Israel, that too would send a signal of a willingness to de-escalate.

If any future strikes were even bigger than the one on October 1st, then once again hostilities between Iran and Israel would be on the path to all-out war.