The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson stated on Monday that the US attempted to prevent the Iranian government from attacking Israel in a bombardment which saw over 350 projectiles launched on Saturday night.
Following Israel's targeting of the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1, Tehran and Washington exchanged messages aimed at preventing Iran's "legitimate response to the Zionist regime," according to Nasser Kanaani.
More than 350 drones and missiles were launched by Iran in response to an alleged Israeli airstrike that killed seven officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including two senior commanders.
Nasser Kanaani described Iran's action as "necessary and proportionate" and denied any prearranged agreement between Iran and any other country prior to the attack.
Blaming the US complicity for Israel’s attack on April 1st, Nasser Kanaani said: “The Zionist regime would not have had the courage to act against the Iranian consulate without the support of the US.”
According to the White House's top national security spokesperson, John Kirby, on ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, the United States will continue to assist Israel in defending itself but does not want to go to war with Iran.
Moreover, US officials stated on Sunday that President Biden informed Prime Minister Netanyahu that the US would not participate in any Israeli counter-offensive against Iran.
Follow developments on Iran International's Live coverage of ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
Prominent 'reformist' commentator Abbas Abdi, investigative journalist Hossein Dehbashi, and whistle-blower Yashar Soltani, who recently exposed a prominent cleric's corruption, have been accused of “compromising national security" following their comments regarding Iran's attack on Israel's soil.
The punitive measures extend beyond journalists to include citizens. On Sunday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to take action against any online expression of support for Israel.
The Iranian government launched over 350 drones and missiles into Israel on Saturday night in retaliation for an airstrike on its consulate compound in Damascus on April 1, for which they blamed Israel. Several members of the IRGC, including two top commanders, were killed in the attack.
In spite of regime celebrations of the attack, Abdi remained outspoken, claiming, "Contrary to popular belief, I believe that Israel's attack was a reaction which does not require Iran's response and reaction."
Over 700 journalists have been arrested since the 2022 uprising with more crackdowns expected in the wake of the bombardment, Iran among the world's least safe places for journalists. At home and abroad, the regime has sought to silence voices of dissent, including attacks on Iran International journalists abroad.
Follow developments on Iran International's Live coverage of ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
The unprecedented attack on Israel -- the territory of a key US ally -- though anticipated, was unparalleled.
Contrary to the Islamic Republic’s armed forces chief, who claimed the attack “achieved all its objectives,” the IDF spokesperson reports that 99% of the threats were intercepted by the air defense system, resulting in negligible impact.
On April 12, at approximately 9:33 pm London time, Tehran confirmed the initiation of its attack.
A wave of drones was dispatched from Iran, some 1200 kilometers away, towards Israel.
An Iranian Shahed 136 Drone, with the maximum speed of 185 k/h takes hours to cover a distance of 1200 kilometers -- suggesting that Israel had a heads-up several hours in advance. Missiles were launched almost an hour later, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC).
The Iron Dome is commonly recognised as Israel's primary defense against missiles and rockets. But, Israel's defense shield consists of five layers -- with the Iron Dome counting as one. In preparation for such an attack, Israel has been developing its air defense system for the past 15 years.
Its first tier, the Iron beam, destroys the projectile with a pillar of laser light. Like the Iron Dome, its detection radar becomes active, and the laser gun targets the objective. It is used for short-range missiles and artillery shells. It fills the blind spot of the Iron Dome. According to the IDF it is yet to be operational.
The second tier, the most renowned, is the Iron Dome. When a rocket is fired towards Israel, the rocket radar detects and tracks it. The control system estimates the impact point, and finally the nearest launcher engages and launches a missile towards the rocket. The success rate of the Iron Dome system is close to 96%, meaning out of 100 rockets, 4 of them may hit Israeli soil.
David's Sling: Israel’s military system named after the biblical story of David and Goliath. This third tier can target drones, aircraft, medium to long-range missiles, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles covering ranges from 40 to 300 kilometers. It has the capability to provide coverage for all of Israel from a single point. David's Sling was responsible for shooting down the Hamas Ayyash 250 rocket on October 13, 2023.
According to the IDF, the Israeli Air Force and its allies successfully intercepted and destroyed all 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles outside the country's borders.
Of the 120 ballistic missiles that crossed into Israeli airspace, the IDF reported that the long-range Arrow air defense system successfully intercepted the overwhelming majority.
Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, considered the top tiers of Israel’s multilayered air defenses, complement each other, and track and destroy missiles and rockets with ranges up to 2400 kilometers.
The second factor contributing to the limited impact came from Israel's allies: fighter jets stepped up to boost interception capabilities.
Reports indicate that jets from the US, UK, France, and Jordan formed a robust barrier against the onslaught of drones and missiles from the Islamic Republic.
US forces hit over 80 one-way attack drones, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday – meaning that the US downed 47% of Iran’s launched drones.
This was the first-ever attack from Iranian soil on Israel.
An attack that diverted attention from the Gaza war towards the Islamic Republic and united the international community in support of Israel and condemnation of the Iranian government.
Now, as the IRGC authorities declare the conclusion of their operation, Israel asserts that the battle is far from over, hinting at a forthcoming retaliation against the Islamic Republic.
But, for the time being Israel’s next move remains uncertain.