In response to an Iranian assault 25 days earlier, Israel launched a major military operation on Iranian targets in the early hours of 26 October. Named Operation Days of Repentance, the strike marked one of the most direct Israeli attacks on Iran in recent years. The campaign targeted critical military infrastructure, including facilities connected to Iran’s missile production, drone manufacturing, and air defence systems.
The operation consisted of two waves, starting around 3:00 a.m. local time, and focused on Iran’s military-industrial network:
- Missile Production and Storage: Sites involved in manufacturing and storing advanced missiles were hit, aiming to reduce Iran’s missile capabilities, seen by Israel as a direct threat.
- Drone Production Facilities: Locations linked to the production of drones, increasingly used by Iran in conflicts across Syria, Iraq, and through proxies like Hezbollah, were specifically targeted.
- Ballistic Missile Launch Bases: Bases housing Iran’s long-range missiles were attacked to weaken Iran’s capacity for retaliation.
Reports indicate that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) used electronic warfare to interfere with Iranian radar systems, deploying false signals to mislead Iranian air defences. Despite numerous surface-to-air missiles fired by Iranian forces, sources suggest most were ineffective against the IAF’s countermeasures.
The first wave ended by 4:30 a.m., with a second wave at 5:00 a.m. targeting remaining air defence components, including radar installations and missile launch sites. By the conclusion of the operation, approximately 20 sites had been destroyed.
Diplomatic and Military Reactions
The United States, a key Israeli ally, quickly released a statement clarifying that it was not directly involved in the operation, though it affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant following the strikes, stressing the importance of managing escalation. While informed, U.S. officials emphasised that Washington played no active role in the operation.
Iranian officials downplayed the damage, claiming their defences minimised the impact. However, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that the operation had achieved its objectives and that the IAF remains ready for further action if necessary.
UK Urges Restraint to Prevent Escalation
Following Israel’s strikes, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for restraint from all parties involved, specifically urging Iran to avoid retaliation.
In a statement, Starmer acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defence but warned against actions that could escalate the conflict across the region. The UK, he said, would work closely with international partners to encourage de-escalation, underscoring broader Western concerns over potential instability in the Middle East.
Strategic Shift in Israeli-Iranian Relations
Days of Repentance represents a significant change in Israel’s approach to Iran. Previously, Israel has largely relied on covert operations and indirect measures to counter Iranian influence, often targeting Iran’s proxies such as Hezbollah. However, this direct strike on Iranian soil marks Israel’s first large-scale operation on Iranian territory since the Iran-Iraq War, setting a new precedent for its military posture.
Israel’s shift to direct, large-scale attacks suggests that it no longer views proxy engagement as sufficient to contain Iran’s growing regional influence. The focus on military rather than nuclear or economic targets reportedly followed consultations with U.S. officials, who advised against actions that might destabilise oil markets or provoke nuclear escalation.
Sky News Arabia reported that Russia provided Iran with intelligence warning of the Israeli operation approximately four hours in advance.
