As of October 2024, the conflict between Israel and Iran has reached a critical level, and the tension between the two nations is having a significant impact across the Middle East. The root cause of this conflict stems from Iran's longstanding anti-Israel policy and Israel's concerns about Iran's nuclear development. The two countries have long viewed each other as adversaries and have clashed in various ways over regional dominance. The direct confrontation between Israel and Iran in October 2024 signals a new phase in their conflict.
Iran's Attack and Its Background
On October 1, 2024, Iran launched a large-scale missile attack targeting Israel. This operation, named "True Promise 2," marks the second direct attack by Iran on Israel. The assault came as retaliation for Israel's earlier assassination operations against leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, which are supported by Iran. Notably, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and targeted IRGC General Abbas Nilforoushan.
Iran justified this attack as an act of self-defense, aiming at key Israeli military facilities. The Nevatim Airbase and Tel Nof Airbase were hit, and some missiles landed in civilian areas north of Tel Aviv. However, Israel’s defense systems intercepted most of the missiles, minimizing the damage. This event demonstrated both the precision of Iran's advanced missiles and the strength of Israel's air defense capabilities.
Israel’s Response and International Reactions
Israel quickly issued strong warnings in response to Iran’s attack and vowed retaliation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the Iranian assault a "grave mistake" and promised that Iran would pay the price. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also stated that they would carefully determine when, where, and how to retaliate.
The missile attack shocked the United States as well. The U.S. reaffirmed its full support for Israel and warned that Iran would face "serious consequences" if it continued its aggression. The U.S. Navy successfully intercepted Iranian missiles passing through Jordanian airspace, with Jordan offering its full cooperation in the operation. These international responses show that the Israel-Iran conflict is no longer a regional issue but a global security concern.
Regional Instability in the Middle East
The Israel-Iran conflict is not just a bilateral issue but has a direct impact on the stability of the entire Middle East. Iran supports armed groups in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, and these groups could potentially launch attacks against Israel and the U.S. Particularly, pro-Iranian forces in Iraq have warned that U.S. military bases could become targets. As a result, U.S. military assets in the Middle East are also under threat.
Moreover, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine is intertwined with this situation. Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, one of Iran's strongest allies. As clashes between Hamas and Israel continue, the likelihood of Iran's involvement grows stronger.
Outlook for the Future
It is unlikely that the conflict between Israel and Iran will be resolved in the short term. Iran remains staunchly opposed to Israel and strongly condemns Israel's possession of nuclear weapons. On the other hand, Israel views Iran's nuclear development as a direct threat to its national security and is pursuing various military and diplomatic measures to prevent it. A direct confrontation between the two nations could escalate into a larger war, further destabilizing the Middle East.
In conclusion, as of October 2024, the Israel-Iran conflict has entered a new phase, and this confrontation has evolved into a broader security issue affecting not only the Middle East but the entire international community. While the exact trajectory of Israel’s retaliation and Iran’s response remains uncertain, it is clear that tensions in the region will continue to escalate.
