Everything You Need to Know About Last Night’s Israeli Attack on Iran.
Israel launched direct strikes against Iran during the night between Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in a major counterattack following Tehran’s ballistic missile offensive earlier in the month. With concerns mounting that long-standing tensions between these two military powers could escalate into a full-scale regional conflict, here’s a complete recap of how the operation unfolded.
Summary
The Israeli military reported hitting “precise” military targets in Iran, while Iranian state media shared reports of multiple explosions. Israeli sources clarified that these strikes didn’t target any energy facilities. Iranian state media stated that military sites in three provinces (Tehran, Ilam, and Khuzestan) were impacted, though it claimed that its air defenses kept the damage “limited.” Israeli officials noted that this strike on Iran’s military assets involved also F-35I Adir stealth aircraft and came after weeks of intense discussions in Israel’s security cabinet, considering both the timing and extent of the response.
More in details
In the early hours of Saturday, just after 2 a.m Local Time., Tehran and several nearby military installations were rocked by explosions lasting for hours, as Israeli forces launched direct strikes against Iran. Israeli state broadcasters later confirmed that three waves of attacks had been carried out before dawn, officially concluding the operation. In particular, the second and third waves targeted Iranian drone and missile production sites.
𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 – Precise strikes against military targets have begun in Iran #FreeIran pic.twitter.com/fp4NHmYZ1W
— Quantum Flux (@QuantumFlux36) October 25, 2024
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s office released this image from the IDF’s underground HQ tonight during the strikes in Iran, with a monitor showing a purported image from the attack.
But… the image is from a refinery fire in Tehran in 2021.
Oops. pic.twitter.com/NFUl6HfX1C
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 26, 2024
Intense Air Defense Activity including Surface-to-Air Missiles and Anti-Aircraft Guns seen over Tehran, as Israeli Strikes against Iranian Military Targets continue. pic.twitter.com/weNWlKjL87
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 26, 2024
Iranian Air Defenses continuing to do absolutely nothing in the Sky over Tehran. pic.twitter.com/8TNjwjFl5q
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 26, 2024
Over 100 aircraft were involved in the 2000-km raid, including the F-35I Adir stealth fighters and drones, according to Israeli media reports. While the U.S. was notified ahead of the strikes in Iran but was not involved in the operation.
Over 100 planes were involved in the 2000 k.m. attack on Iran, including the cutting-edge F-35 stealth fighter. https://t.co/9CZ623BWJx
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 26, 2024
The attack was declared over by 5:45 a.m Israeli Time (6:15 a.m. Iran Standard Time), just as the sun began rising over Tehran.
While specific details about the air strike are still sparse beyond the official statements, it seems highly probable that the initial wave involved a combination of unmanned aircraft and stand-off precision-guided munitions, complemented by robust Electronic Warfare and Cyber capabilities, both areas where Israel has consistently demonstrated high proficiency in previous operations. Leveraging these non-kinetic capabilities would have effectively neutralized or “blinded” Iranian air defenses, allowing Israeli assets a broader operational window and greater freedom to navigate Iranian airspace to strike their targets with minimal risk. Additionally, given the sophistication of these tactics, it’s possible that the strike may not have required deep penetration into Iranian airspace, relying instead on precision strikes from safe distances.
BREAKING:
Israeli fighter jets filmed over Jordan as they fly east to strike targets in Iran pic.twitter.com/RjkiX1Jf6l
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 26, 2024
Iran downplayed the attack with Iranian officials stating that their air defenses successfully intercepted some of Israel’s strikes on military targets located in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam. According to Iranian sources, they managed to keep damage relatively minor despite the scale of the operation.
Iranian State TV has been attempting to show “Business as Usual” today across Iran, while Downplaying or almost Completely Ignoring last night’s Widespread Israeli Strikes. pic.twitter.com/6BOHbmA4wi
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 26, 2024
However, even though Iranian media is working hard to maintain an image of normalcy, the effects on both nations are unmistakable, with this latest attack marking the first time since the Iran-Iraq War that Tehran has been struck directly, posing a real challenge to the regime’s claims.
BREAKING: Iran closes airspace until 05:30 UTC https://t.co/xUVvsnLoJ9 pic.twitter.com/6J8zLhBpjR
— Faytuks News (@Faytuks) October 26, 2024
In announcing this strike, the Israeli Defense Forces stated they had deliberately targeted key Iranian military sites as a direct response to repeated attacks from Tehran. They called the strikes “precise” and “targeted,” aiming to make clear that Israel would not sit idle as Iranian-linked groups continued their assaults. The statement went on to confirm that the airstrikes focused on facilities related to missile manufacturing and anti-air missile capabilities.
“I can now confirm that we have concluded the Israeli response to Iran’s attacks against Israel. We conducted targeted and precise strikes on military targets in Iran — thwarting immediate threats to the State of Israel.”
Watch IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari talk about the… pic.twitter.com/1OOss3etpV
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 26, 2024
Following the attacks, Israeli officials indicated they had wrapped up the mission successfully, with all aircraft safely returning to their bases. Importantly, Israel clarified that their strikes avoided both energy infrastructure and nuclear sites within Iran, possibly out of caution for broader international consequences. U.S. President Joe Biden had advised Israel against striking Iran’s nuclear sites, energy infrastructure, or oil fields to avoid drawing in other nations or triggering a larger conflict. According to a senior U.S. official, the administration hopes that these recent “targeted and proportional strikes” will conclude any direct fire between Israel and Iran for the time being. However, the U.S. also remains prepared to step in and support Israel if Iran retaliates.
Breaking: Initial US response from @NSC_Spox: “We understand that Israel is conducting targeted strikes against military targets in Iran as an exercise of self-defense and in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack against Israel on October 1st. We would refer you to the…
— Nick Schifrin (@nickschifrin) October 25, 2024
Meanwhile, Iranian media broadcast footage showing intense anti-aircraft fire lighting up the sky over central Tehran, though they did not specify which specific sites were being attacked. After a brief pause in air traffic during the strikes, Iranian authorities resumed flights by 9 a.m., as did neighboring Iraq. The Syrian state news agency SANA reported that Israeli airstrikes had also hit military targets within Syria’s central and southern regions, though Israel did not comment on these reports.
Iran has officially closed their airspace per NOTAM, flights are starting to divert. The NOTAM is in effect for the next 4 1/2 hour pic.twitter.com/eeutUgYJeh
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) October 26, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and top security officials closely monitored the operation from Tel Aviv’s military command center. Defense Minister Gallant also connected with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who reinforced the U.S.’s dedication to supporting Israel and defending American assets across the Middle East. Though Washington had prior knowledge of Israel’s intentions, they reportedly were not involved in the actual operation despite moving more assets into the region. To that respect, it made some noise the deployment of the F-16s from the 480th Fighter Squadron based at Spangdahlem AB, assets specialized in SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses).
U.S. Air Force F-16s from the 480th Fighter Squadron based at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany arrive in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. pic.twitter.com/myt8uWySX9
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 25, 2024
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in the Middle East seeking ways to de-escalate, noted on Wednesday that Israel’s counterstrike should avoid triggering a broader escalation, an indication of the United States’ desire to keep the situation from spiraling.
The IDF releases an image of Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi commanding the strikes on Iran from the Israeli Air Force’s command center, with the chief of the IAF, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar. pic.twitter.com/VvCbyhbBBA
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 26, 2024
To further support Israel in light of these latest developments, President Biden decided to send the U.S. THAAD anti-missile defense system to Israeli soil, along with around 100 American personnel to operate it. This system is a significant addition to Israel’s already robust missile defense capabilities, giving them enhanced protection should Iran or any Iranian-linked group decide to respond. This move signals to both Israel and Iran that the U.S. remains deeply invested in its alliances in the Middle East and will continue to aid in Israel’s defense if further escalation occurs.
In the meantime, the immediate situation remains tense, with many across the region wondering what Iran’s next move might be. Iranian officials have repeatedly warned Israel against any form of attack, underscoring that “Iran reserves the right to respond to any aggression.” Semi-official Iranian news sources have hinted that Israel could expect a “proportional reaction” if hostilities continue. At the same time, a senior Biden official underscored that Washington hopes this recent round of “targeted and proportional” strikes will wrap up the back-and-forth exchange of fire between the two countries, and that any escalation beyond this could have significant consequences for both.
For a detailed chronological account of the operation, I would suggest having a look at the following eccellent X thread by our friend and contributor Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555).
Thread. Israel Strikes Back.
“It seems that the Islam Shahr missile factory has been completely destroyed.” Per source.
— Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555) October 26, 2024
