Israel Airstrikes Intensify Iran-Israel Tensions

On October 25, 2024, early morning airstrikes by Israel targeted Tehran, Ilam, and Bushehr, reportedly causing damage to Iran's defense infrastructure and resulting in the death of four Iranian military personnel. In response, Iran accused the US of pressuring Netanyahu to prevent Israeli withdrawal from these strikes. Western media outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, have noted that the attacks are perceived as limited and insufficient to de-escalate tensions. Analysts believe that the current situation not only accelerates capital flight from Iran but also restricts its missile capabilities. The potential for conflict between Iran and Israel seems inevitable, raising questions about whether Iran possesses the necessary resilience to address these threats effectively. While Israel's actions have prompted concerns, the Iranian government's reaction remains unclear, likely influenced by political decisions. Western media consensus indicates that these Israeli strikes are not as serious as initially feared, but the absence of effective diplomacy with the US and Israel exacerbates military tensions. Iran's economy faces significant challenges with no signs of preparation for warfare, which adds to the cloudy outlook on its defense strategy. While analysts consider war unavoidable, Iran's actual capacity to respond to such threats appears uncertain, suggesting that substantial shifts in government policies regarding economic and security matters may be needed. The current administration has struggled to provide swift and effective responses to security threats. Furthermore, Iran must reassess its foreign policy and economic relations to enhance its resilience against military threats.