Israel’s Attack on Iran: Is “The True Promise 3” Approaching? Steps Toward Comprehensive Conflict

In a provocative move, the Israeli occupation has finally executed its anticipated strike on Iran, marking an intensification unseen since the days of the Iran-Iraq conflict. Conducted in three waves, the attack struck over 20 locations across multiple Iranian cities, as reported by Israeli media. This marks an unprecedented assault on Iranian soil, aimed at undermining Iran’s defensive and military capabilities.

This aggression is a stark reminder of Israel’s increasing hostility in the region. Iran has repeatedly warned of a powerful response to any act of aggression from the occupation, which only amplifies the possibility of a full-scale conflict.

The Agenda Behind “Days of Repentance”: Israel’s Objectives

Israel has named the attack “Days of Repentance,” a multi-hour operation targeting Iran’s air defenses in its initial wave, reportedly involving over 100 Israeli fighter jets, as noted by the Israeli newspaper Maariv. The Israeli military spokesman, Daniel Hagari, acknowledged that the operation was politically directed, claiming it as a response to what he labeled as Iranian aggression against Israeli targets and civilians. Following orders from the Israeli leadership, the Israeli military targeted Iranian sites, stating that this operation remains under ongoing assessment.

Israeli Channel 12 reported that these waves of airstrikes targeted military infrastructure, particularly ballistic missile production facilities. Explosions echoed through Tehran, Mashhad, Karaj, and Shiraz, symbolizing an escalation not only in Israel’s military agenda but also in its attempts to destabilize any regional opposition.

Israel’s Covert Path: Military Maneuvers and Route

Israel’s army radio revealed that a combination of assault and defense fighters, alongside refueling jets, facilitated the attack in waves. The operation reportedly involved F-35 stealth jets, F-16s, and F-15s, known for their ability to evade radar, making them particularly suited for penetrating restricted airspaces undetected.

Military analyst Majed Al-Qaisi, speaking to Arabi21, highlighted that Israel’s reliance on advanced aircraft like the F-35, supported by third-party allies like the United States, plays a significant role in reaching these remote targets. Given the widespread rejection by regional nations to allow Israeli use of their airspace, Israel likely employed stealth tactics to maneuver around the region’s defensive measures. This evasive strategy underscores Israel’s disregard for regional sovereignty, as it continues to provoke hostile actions across Muslim lands.

Eyewitness reports confirmed hearing jets over Jordan and near Damascus, all occurring in sync with the Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, revealing the scale and depth of Israel’s regional ambitions.

Iranian Response: A Show of Resilience

Iran’s air defense authorities announced that explosions heard in Tehran were the result of repelling Israeli attempts to strike three critical points. Iranian officials affirmed the nation’s defenses were fully activated, while Iranian media sources reported only minor damages in military sites located in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam.

The Iranian news agency Tasnim conveyed statements from officials asserting that Iran is fully prepared to retaliate against any aggression by the “Zionist entity.” In tandem, Fars News disclosed that Iranian air defenses successfully thwarted several of the occupation’s attacks. This swift reaction showcases Iran’s readiness and resilience in defending its sovereignty, signaling to the region and the world that it will not allow unchecked aggression on its land.

A Stance of Resilience: Will Iran Respond?

Amid Israel’s increasingly hostile posture, Iranian officials have continued to warn of severe retaliation against any occupation-driven assault. This message, echoed from President Massoud Bazeshkian to Revolutionary Guard leaders, emphasizes Iran’s stance on defending its sovereignty and standing against occupation forces that endanger the region.

Retired Israeli intelligence official Danny Citrinowicz noted the difficult position facing Iranian leadership: an inevitable challenge where non-response risks inviting further aggression, while any response brings the region closer to war. While aware of these risks, Iran’s strategic position underscores its commitment to the Palestinian and regional cause. Any response will have to balance resistance against Israeli provocations with the broader goal of preventing Israeli expansionism in the Middle East.

In an article from the Atlantic Council for Middle Eastern Studies, Citrinowicz speculates that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council will provide Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with the best path forward. To date, Israel has refrained from targeting Iran’s nuclear and critical infrastructure, but further Israeli attacks could shift Iran’s response into an open confrontation.

U.S. Influence: Israeli Restraint or Calculated Steps?

Israel’s current attacks did not extend to nuclear infrastructure or vital oil resources, ostensibly due to U.S. preference for controlled engagement. According to NBC News, Israeli officials confirmed they intentionally avoided targeting nuclear facilities or oil fields to keep tensions below the threshold of regional war.

Yedioth Ahronoth cited an Israeli official who acknowledged that the limited scope aims to avoid provoking a regional escalation. This approach is emblematic of Israel’s historical strategy—pushing boundaries with calculated violence while maintaining enough restraint to avoid full accountability on the world stage. Israel’s selective targeting serves as a reminder of its intentions to destabilize opposition forces without breaching the threshold that would trigger broader intervention.

Crossing Boundaries: Has Israel Exceeded Its Limits?

Despite its measured approach, Israel’s assault sets a dangerous precedent. Military analyst Majed Al-Qaisi highlighted that this attack marks a blatant disregard for established norms and an open invitation for further escalation. Last month, Iran launched 220 missiles, many of which hit their intended targets. Should Iran choose to counter this recent aggression with an even larger strike, Israel’s defenses may struggle to respond.

American Response: A Call for Iran’s Patience

After the Israeli operation, American media reported that White House officials urged Iran to exercise restraint. While Israel’s operation had concluded, the U.S. conveyed its readiness to support Israel should Iran retaliate. This American message underscores the occupation’s privileged status in Washington, as the United States continues to back Israel’s provocations in the region.

In a previous statement, Al Jazeera reported that an American official claimed the U.S. was uninvolved in the attacks—a statement that attempts to downplay American complicity in fueling occupation-driven tensions.