Israel deliberately targeted air defense systems around key energy facilities in Iran without directly striking the facilities themselves, reports the national portal “Adyrna.” This was reported by The New York Times on October 26, citing anonymous Iranian and Israeli officials.
According to three Iranian officials and three senior representatives from the Israeli Defense Ministry, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted air defense systems near the Bandar Imam Khomeini petrochemical complex in Khuzestan province, the major port of Bandar Imam Khomeini, the Abadan oil refinery, and a gas field in Ilam province.
Iranian sources cited by The New York Times noted that Israel’s targeting of air defense systems caused “deep concern” in Tehran, as critical energy facilities are now highly vulnerable to potential future attacks.
In an interview with NYT, Israeli officials confirmed that Israel’s initial response plan included strikes on sites related to Iran’s nuclear program. However, due to repeated requests from the United States, this step was avoided. Washington stressed that it would not support attacks on Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities due to the high risk of further escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, previously confirmed that no damage had been done to Iran’s nuclear facilities. IAEA inspectors in Iran are safe and “continuing their critical work,” Grossi wrote on the social media platform X, also urging caution and restraint in actions that could endanger “nuclear or other radioactive materials.”
On the night of October 26, the IDF carried out a series of airstrikes on Iran. Israeli military officials stated that these strikes were a response to numerous attacks by Iran and its allies in recent months. In the morning, the IDF reported the successful completion of the operation, which included “precise strikes” on missile production facilities, missile complexes, and other military installations.
Iran’s armed forces reported that two Iranian soldiers were killed in the Israeli attack. According to Iranian military sources, the air defense forces repelled Israel’s assault, but some areas suffered damage.
