Israel Strikes Military Targets in Iran
On Saturday, October 26, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iran, targeting missile factories and other sites near Tehran and in western Iran. The strikes, which killed four Iranian soldiers, were carried out in retaliation for the Islamic Republic’s missile barrage on October 1.
Following the attacks, Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that it has the right to defend itself, but that it also “recognises its responsibilities towards regional peace and security.” Iranian authorities reported “limited damage” from the attacks in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces and showed normal activity continuing across cities.
The U.S. and UK had urged Iran not to retaliate further, calling for de-escalation. Israeli military officials warned that they would respond to any future Iranian attacks, signaling a readiness to continue operations if necessary. The Biden administration confirmed that Israel had informed Washington in advance of the strikes but emphasized that the U.S. was not involved. Israel avoided targeting Iranian oil or nuclear sites, aligning with U.S. requests to limit escalation.
Middle East Policy contributor Farshad Roomi analyzes Iran’s ideological approach to its conflict with Israel.
Blinken Concludes Middle East Visit
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a week-long trip to the Middle East, including visits to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The visit, prompted by Israel’s killing of Hamas military head Yahya Sinwar, aimed to revive stalled ceasefire negotiations and explore long-term plans for Palestinian governance, reconstruction, and regional security. Negotiators from Israel and the U.S. will return to Qatar in the coming days to resume talks.
During meetings in Tel Aviv, Blinken raised concerns over Israel’s military operations in northern Gaza and criticized the limited delivery of aid to civilians. U.S. officials urged Israel to disavow reported plans targeting civilians in northern Gaza and set a 30-day timeline to improve humanitarian conditions.
Middle East Policy has published Israel’s Wars, a special issue on the war in Gaza that draws on the journal’s decades covering the region to provide insights into the motivations of the key actors. All articles are available to everyone, even without a subscription!
PKK Claims Attack on Turkish Defense Firm
On Friday, October 25, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) claimed responsibility for an attack that occurred on Wednesday, October 23, against Turkish Aerospace Industries, a state-run defense company near Ankara. The assault, described by the PKK as an “act of sacrifice,” killed five people and wounded 22. The attackers used explosives and automatic rifles at the company’s campus, which develops military aircraft, UAVs, and other defense systems.
In response, Turkey conducted airstrikes for two consecutive nights on PKK targets in northern Iraq. Turkish forces hit 34 sites across Hakurk, Gara, Qandil, and Sinjar, targeting shelters and supply depots. The airstrikes were ordered after a high-level security meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul.
A Middle East Policy article by Şaban Kardaş traces the history behind Turkey’s military operations into Iraq.
(Banner image: Reuters)
October 28, 2024