Iran-Israel Conflict: Pentagon Chief Warns Tehran Of 'Consequences' Amid Escalating Tensions | Key Points

Israel waited almost four weeks to retaliate against Iran's ballistic missile attack on October 1. Yesterday, Israeli fighter jets flew over 1,000 kilometres, carrying out "precise strikes" on military installations in Tehran and nearby provinces.

Here are 10 key points on this major development:

Photo Credit: PTI

1. Over 100 Israeli fighter jets, including the F-35 stealth fighters, launched just before dawn, flying over 1,000 kilometres to target Iran's radar and air defence systems, disabling them, and then hit other military sites, including a missile production facility.

2. Israel confirmed it had conducted "precise strikes." Initially, Iran attributed the explosions in Tehran to activated air defences but later admitted the strikes caused "limited damage" to military installations, with two Iranian soldiers reported killed.

3. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted government sources warning, "We are prepared to respond to any Israeli 'aggression.' There is no doubt that Israel will face a proportional reaction for any action it takes." Israel's army responded, warning Iran of a "heavy price" if it initiates further escalation.

4. The US termed Israel's actions as an "exercise of self-defence" and urged Tehran to prevent further escalation. 'The US was informed by Israel beforehand about the strikes, with no involvement from Washington,' AFP quoted US government sources as saying. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin cautioned, "Iran should not make the mistake of responding to Israel's strikes, which should mark the end of this exchange."

5. Israel's calculated response has inflamed regional tensions, drawing condemnation from states in and beyond the region. Hamas, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes, with Turkey urging an end to "terror created by Israel."

6. Russia has called for restraint, warning against a "catastrophic scenario." Amid its own conflict with Ukraine, Russia's call underscores concerns for regional stability. India voiced "deep concern over the escalation in West Asia and its ramifications for peace and stability in the region and beyond."

7. Israel's envoy to India, Reuven Azar, while speaking to NDTV, said, "What Israel did is a very precise strike that took out Iran's air defence systems and targeted military installations linked to their missile and drone programmes. The signal here is clear: Israel will not tolerate ongoing attacks from Iran, either directly or indirectly."

8. Lebanon reported an Israeli raid on southern Beirut following an evacuation call from Israel's army. Lebanon's National News Agency confirmed the strikes "targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut," after Israeli warnings to residents in two neighbourhoods to vacate.

9. Explosions were also reported in Syria's capital, Damascus, following an Israeli attack. Syrian authorities claimed Israel launched the strikes from the Golan Heights and parts of Lebanon, prompting Syria to activate air defences. Syria, aligned with the Iran-led 'Axis of Resistance', opposes Israel and the US in the region.

10. In response, Iran, Iraq, and Syria temporarily closed their airspace, a standard procedure to secure civil aviation and help air defence systems distinguish between friendly and potential enemy aircraft following strikes.