Israel weighs strikes on Iranian military bases, intelligence sites as tensions escalate

By Burak Dag

Israel is reportedly considering targeted strikes on Iranian military bases and intelligence compounds in a potential retaliatory response to recent missile attacks from Tehran, according to The New York Times.

The report suggests that Israel may avoid targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities in the first phase, a decision influenced by US advice to avoid escalating the conflict beyond a "proportional response."

Following Iranian missile attacks on Israel on Oct. 1, Tel Aviv vowed a forceful retaliation. Israeli media has speculated that, in addition to military and intelligence sites, Israel might also consider targeting oil and nuclear facilities, as well as high-profile sites such as the residence of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the presidential office, and the Revolutionary Guards Corps headquarters in Tehran.

In response, Iranian military officials warned that they would retaliate by targeting Israeli energy facilities and key infrastructure if an attack were to occur.

On Oct. 3, US President Joe Biden, when asked about the possibility of supporting an Israeli attack on Iran’s oil facilities, confirmed that the matter was under discussion.

*Writing by Efe Ozkan