One week following Iran's aggression, Israel has counterattacked. In the early Friday hours, missiles rained upon various Iranian cities. The crux of this attack, however, was Isfahan - targeting its nuclear plant and airport. The pertinent question remains: why did Israel seek retribution specifically in Isfahan?
Define the strategic essence of Isfahan. Here, military research flourishes alongside pivotal bases. It ranks as Iran's third most populous city, teeming with about 2.2 million souls.
Why Isfahan was Israel's Bullseye
Isfahan, a principal Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military hub, boasts the nation’s primary cloud seeding project. With a plethora of nuclear plants, it's the operational heart of Iran's largest uranium agenda.
Isfahan's significant airbase is home to Iran's considerable fleet, including US-made F-14 Tomcats predating the 1979 Islamic Revolution. These strike fighters, capable of 2,485 km/h with a combat range of 930 kilometers, can be armed with an arsenal of weapons such as rockets, bombs, and missiles, and have been used in key Iranian military engagements. Israel's attack on a crucial city sends a message of its capability to debilitate Iran's military prowess.
Iran Responds to the Israeli Onslaught
On Israel's assault, Iran claims its nuclear plants in Isfahan remain unharmed. Iran's National Cyberspace Center spokesperson, Husein Dalirian, reported downing three Israeli drones, and state news agencies suggest Israel aimed at disrupting Iran's military radar systems.
The Peril Shadowing Iran's Nuclear Plants
Speculation of Israel's intention to strike Tehran's nuclear facilities predates the attack, with analysts indicating Netanyahu’s determination to derail Iran's nuclear program, pinpointing Isfahan as the viable target.
When Iran Fired Missiles at Israel
On April 13th, Iran unleashed missiles and drones towards Israel, including over 300 diverse drone strikes encompassing lethal drones, ballistic, and cruise missiles. Following the assault, Israeli forces activated their air defense system.
IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari revealed that Iran directly assaulted Israel, which defended itself by intercepting most missiles through its Arrow Aerial Defense System. This was followed by global support for Israel from nations including the US and the UK.
Why Iran Attacked Israel
On April 1st, in an assault on Iran's consulate in Syria, Iran alleged the deaths of top commanders, attributing the attack to Israel. This spurred Iran’s successive strikes against Israel, dubbed 'Operation True Promise' to demonstrate their pledge to act on their words.
