Iran fired its biggest missile barrage yet at Israel on October 1, 2024, marking a significant escalation in regional hostilities. Only twenty-four after Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the people of Iran by stating Iranians would experience freedom “a lot sooner than people think,” Iran launched Operation “True Promise 2” and claimed they had fired 200 missiles at Israel.
Immediately after the attacks began the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Iranian government issued a statement that the missile strikes were carried out under the “legitimate right of self-defense under the United Nations Charter”.
The statement also stated that the strikes were in reaction to the “massacre of the people of Lebanon and Gaza and the martyrdom of the great Mujahid, the leader of the Axis of Resistance, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah, as well as the martyrdom of the prominent IRGC commander and senior advisor, Major General Abbas Nilforoushan, in Lebanon”.
What weapons did Iran use?
Iran fired ballistic missiles, utilizing trajectories that extend beyond or near the edge of Earth’s atmosphere. These weapons were previously used against Irsarler earlier this year.
Iran’s missile capabilities possess a vast arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles. covering a wide range of distances.
However, the exact number of missiles is not known. US Air Force General Kenneth McKenzie testified before Congress a year ago in 2023 that Iraq had “over 3,000” ballistic missiles, according to a report released this year by the Iran Watch website, part of the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control.
Ballistic missiles travel outside or near the Earth’s atmosphere before the warhead payload separates from the rocket and re-enters the atmosphere to strike its target.
As reported by the CNN experts who analyzed the verified social media profile videos related to attacks, revealed that in its latest strike on Israel, Iran utilized multiple versions of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile.
According to Iranian media, Tehran used the Fattah-1 missile in its recent attack, a hypersonic missile capable of travelling at speeds up to Mach 5, or approximately 3,800 miles per hour.
What led to Iran’s strikes on Israel?
The Iranian government stated that its attack on Israel on October 1 was in retaliation for the killing of leaders from Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as a prominent Iranian commander involved in the Israel conflict. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan were killed on September 27 when Israel bombed the building they were present in, located in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
Although the timing and nature of the attack were not known before, it came as a surprise.
For months, global powers have warned of “regional escalation” due to Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza which has resulted in the deaths of 40,000 Palestinian lives.
The real conflict began with the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza and escalated tension throughout the Middle East, which had significant consequences including the potential weakening of Iran’s deterrence.
These attacks were part of Operation “True Promise 2” as stated by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC). The operation reflects Iran’s need to restore its “capability of threat” in response to ongoing Israeli aggression, supported by the United States. In this context, an article from Politico, which aligns with the liberal consensus, is worth noting. It highlights a well-articulated plan between the US and Israel to invade Lebanon and reshape the regional landscape.
The Israel Defense Forces have extended their war to Lebanon, where they have conducted massive bombing campaigns.
Lebanon hosts Hezbollah, Iran’s main regional ally, which has launched rockets into northern Israel in response to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
Iranian leadership saw these attacks as not only a direct threat to their proxy forces but also its broader regional standing. This strike was a clear attempt to restore its deterrence against Israel. By taking strong action Iran aimed to establish a precedent that would prevent further Israeli actions in the region.
How significant was the damage from Iran’s missile strikes?
Independent media reports revealed that the missile strike by Iran just caused one death of a Palestinian individual.
Palestinian sources report one causality, and multiple injuries after missile fragments from Iran’s strike landed in Jericho, West Bank.
CNN footage reveals Iranian missiles hitting Negev Airbase, while social media videos show explosions near Mossad HQ.
Iranian military chief Mohammad Bagheri claims that despite everything “the Islamic Republic adhered to the necessary protocols, targeting only military bases and three main air bases of the Zionist regime”.
He said,
“The targets included Mossad, designated as the center for assassination, Nevatim Air Base, used for F-35 aircraft, and Hatzerim Air Base, which was used for the assassination of dear martyr Nasrallah”.
During its missile attack, the Islamic Republic targeted Jerusalem, a city sacred to followers of all Abrahamic religions. According to US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, only 34 of the missiles fired by Iran successfully breached Israel’s defence systems.
However, the former US president called the Iran strikes “ineffective”.
Regarding Iran’s strike on Israel, IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in a video statement posted on X,
“Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences…We will respond wherever, whenever and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel”.
“Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences…We will respond wherever, whenever and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.”
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024
Watch IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari regarding Iran’s large-scale… pic.twitter.com/A8pyC7eawI
What Iran pays for Operation “True Promise 2”
Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami confirmed after hours that a total of 200 missiles were launched at Israel.
Fath, Zolfaghar, and Qadr missiles were launched in the Iranian strike on Israel. Official details about the financial costs of the attack re
However, Iran has kept the costs of developing its missile program classified, with no public disclosure of the financial expenditure.
The production costs and missile prices are confidential due to their sensitive nature. but if compared with hypersonic missiles from Russia and China suggests they can cost tens of millions of dollars per missile, due to the advanced technology involved in the development.
Iranwire reported that according to Hossein Salami’s figures the operation costs over $800 million. while the expected cost of the Fattah missile is to be in line with hypersonic missiles from global powers. Missiles such as Zolfaghar and Qadr are estimated to be valued between $500,000 and $1.5$ million per unit.
The Iranian Army’s cryptic tweet on X has raised alarm again over the possibility of all-out war with Israel, with the potential to plunger the entire Middle East into chaos. According to the news site India.com, the Iranian military officer posted on X “See you very soon”. This seems to be an alarming situation for both countries. This also shows that Iran is preparing for another attack against Israel after a recent attack.
World Leaders respond to Iran’s attacks on Israel
World leaders have strongly condemned Iran’s recent strikes on Israel, and called for de-escalation, urging the need for restraint to prevent further conflict and instability in the Middle East.
Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, condemned Iran’s missile strikes on Israel, calling the attacks unacceptable.
He posted on X “This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security”.
The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) April 13, 2024
This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security.
US President Joe Biden ensured continued US support for Israel amid the growing crisis. He wrote on X “I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad”.
I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. pic.twitter.com/kbywnsvmAx
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 13, 2024
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said,
“I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard”,
minutes after news of the Iranian attack.
Read my statement on the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. pic.twitter.com/xeuR3cd3kG
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 13, 2024
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urgently called for an immediate halt to the hostilities between Iran and Israel. He said, “Neither the region nor the world can afford another war”.
“I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East”.
Iran warns the US and stance on attacks
Iran’s mission to the United Nations has issued a stern warning to the United States, urging it to prevent direct involvement in the ongoing conflict.
The statement urged that the recent missile attacks on Israel were carried out as retaliation for an airstrike on Iran’s diplomatic mission in Damascus, which Tehran attributes to Israel.
Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli…
— I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 13, 2024
An official account from Iran posted on X “Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, quoting verses from the Quran, Khamenei appeared to predict an “imminent divine victory.”
In two separate tweets on X, Khamenei stated that “righteous people” may have to make sacrifices “but they will not be defeated at the end of the day”.
He said this while posting a video of Iranian missiles being launched,
“They are the victors in the field”.
Masoud Pezeshkian, president of Iran, said in a social media post that “was in defence of the interests and citizens of Iran”.
He added,
“ Let Netanyahu know that Iran is not a belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat. This is only a corner of our power. Do not enter into a conflict with Iran”.
Hammas group also praised the attacks and the group said in a statement
“We congratulate the heroic rocket launch carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran, on large areas of our occupied territories, in response to the occupation’s continuing crimes against the peoples of the region, and in retaliation for the blood of our nation’s heroic martyrs”.
