Israel attacks Iran in a retaliatory strike against Iran’s earlier missile attack on Israel, re-invigorating a key moment in the ongoing tensions between the two nations. This retaliation came in response to a series of aggravations that had increased the already fragile situation in the region.

As per reports, Israel Air Force used nearly 100s of F-35 Fighter Jets armed with “Stand Off” Missiles & entered Iranian air space at 22.45 GMT On Friday. Iranian media reported several strong explosions in Tehran & few other cities in Iran.

Israel Defense Force- IDF confirmed shortly after that they had carried a precise & targeted strike on military sites in Iran, especially missile manufacturing hubs & air defense assets.

White House (United States) moderated & supported Israel by saying that the operation is an “Exercise of Self Defense”.

Israel’s air strike sends a clear message of deterrence & capability of entering Iran, however the operation seems to be a calculated & measured decision, without inflicting any major damage to Iran. Iran has confirmed death of 4 soldiers while defending the attack.

Iran’s Silence

Israel attacks Iran, But Iran’s reaction to the Israeli strike has been surprisingly measured. Despite the limited damage to some military sites and the loss of four soldiers, Iran appears to have chosen for strategic silence. This shocking restraint could be attributed to several factors, including internal political dynamics, economic considerations, and a desire to avoid an undesired full-scale war.

“Israel’s attack should not be exaggerated or downplayed”- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

It is likely that the United States played a role in this scenario, possibly convincing Israel to carry out an attack that would not provoke a severe Iranian retaliation. Additionally, there may be back-channel communications between the U.S. and Iran, contributing to the current restraint.

It is confirmed that Israel has not bombed any nuclear site or oil sites, that could have elevated the tensions in the middle east.

Implications as Israel attacks Israel with Minimum force & Iran’s Strategic Restraint:

Israel attacks Iran, albeit with minimal force and Iran is exercising strategic silence. This situation may open a window for diplomatic engagement. It is an indication of a positive shift towards de-escalation and dialogue, which could enable a cease fire and reduce tensions in the Middle East, especially the Islamic countries, that have been grappling with how to tactically resolve the crisis.

“We promised we would respond to the Iranian attack and on Saturday we struck… The attack in Iran was precise and powerful, achieving all of its objectives,”- Benjamin Netanyahu- PM, Israel

Is a Gaza Strip Cease-fire Deal Possible in exchange of Iran’s Restraint?

The IRGC (Iran’s Armed Forces) has subtly indicated that a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon might be an option in exchange for halting further retaliation from Iran. Not only Israel attacks Iran, but also, Meanwhile, Israel’s ground and air force operations in these regions are in full swing. Recently, Israel has achieved major success, eliminating high-profile leaders in Hamas and Hezbollah, thereby breaking these outfits that have long been supported and funded by Iran. Israel is on a continued mission to break Iran’s axis of resistance.

Despite international calls for humanitarian restraint, Israel remains determined to dismantle both Hamas and Hezbollah entirely. However, Israel appears to lack a post-war plan for Gaza and other Palestinian territories under its military control.

The United States, while standing with Israel, is not particularly fond of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, especially with the U.S. Presidential elections approaching.

Hence, it is possible that the U.S. might broker a peace and cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, aiming for a diplomatic success. This effort likely involves back-channel communications with Iran through third-party countries and directly convincing Israel.

Still, One may say that the situation is fluid. Iran’s silence may mean something else as well. While the immediate threat appears to have been delayed or mitigated, the long-term implications of this action are yet to be revealed.

The Summary is Israel attacks Iran, but with minimum force- and Iran is exercising strategic silence- How the scenario will unfold, only time will say.  At the outset, both nations must seize this moment to pursue diplomatic solutions through back channels and ensure reduction.