Israel's message to Tehran before attacking the intended targets
Before attacking Iran, Israel sent a message to Tehran about what targets it was attacking.
According to the Jerusalem Post, before attacking Iran, Israel sent a message to Tehran through several third-party intermediaries, specifying which targets Israel would attack and which targets it would not attack.
Israel sent a message to Iran on Friday, October 25, before its retaliatory strike, warning it not to respond. The message was sent by Israel to limit reciprocal attacks between Israel and Iran and prevent further escalation of tensions.
Three airstrikes were carried out on Iran this morning, Saturday, October 26, local time. The first attack targeted Iran's air defense system, and the second and third attacks targeted missile bases, drones, and weapons production sites. Iran also announced that it had thwarted the Israeli attack and that only limited damage had been caused to military targets.
Several sources familiar with the Israeli retaliatory strike said: "Israel made it clear to Iran what it was going to target and what it was not going to target. Israel also warned Iran not to retaliate, stressing that further retaliation from Iran would lead to a greater Israeli response. Especially if Israeli civilians were harmed."
Iran had announced before the Israeli attack that it was not seeking war with Israel, but that if Israel attacked, Iran would retaliate. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari also warned in response to this message that any response from Iran and escalation of tensions would force Israel to react again.
A US official, who did not take part in the operation, said the US would stand ready to defend Israel if Iran retaliated and escalated tensions. "This should be the end of direct military attacks between Israel and Iran, and if Iran attacks Israel again, there will be consequences. We have made this clear to Iran, both directly and indirectly," the official said.
Sean South, a spokesman for the US National Security Council, added: "The goal is to accelerate diplomacy and reduce tensions in the Middle East. We call on Iran to cease its attacks on Israel so that this cycle of conflict ends without further escalation."
