Former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has provided insights on Israel’s likely response to a recent missile barrage launched by Tehran, as well as potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Speaking with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Esper outlined the possibility of a “significant strike” by Israel, noting that the response could have wide-ranging military and political consequences.
Significant Military Action Expected: Mark Esper
Esper emphasized that if Israel decides to retaliate, the strike would likely be extensive. He posed the critical question: “What does Israel want to achieve?” If the goal is to target Iran’s leadership, Esper speculated that Israel could go after key figures such as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
To cripple Iran’s ability to respond, Israel would also need to neutralize command and control centers, preventing communication with the rest of the regime. However, Esper pointed out that if Israel decides to focus on military assets like Iran’s nuclear sites, the risk increases for Israeli personnel.
Risks of Attacking Iranian Nuclear Sites
If Israel targets Iran’s nuclear facilities, particularly strategic locations south of Tehran, like the Fordow nuclear plant, it would face significant risks, including the potential loss of pilots during deep strikes into Iranian territory. “The danger, of course, is that you have to go deep into their territory, and you may lose a pilot,” Esper warned.
Challenges of Targeting the Iranian Regime
Esper also addressed the broader risks of attempting to change the Iranian regime. While taking out top leaders might be a tactical goal, it could also have unintended consequences. Civilian casualties, he said, could rally the Iranian population around the fragile regime, which is currently experiencing widespread dissatisfaction. “The last thing Israel wants is for the Iranian people to unite behind a regime they are otherwise unhappy with,” Esper explained.
President Biden’s Stance on Israeli Strikes
The discussion surrounding a potential Israeli strike comes after President Joe Biden stated that he does not support Israeli attacks on Iran’s oil or nuclear sites. The U.S. administration has taken a cautious approach, emphasizing diplomacy over escalation.
Republican Defense Hawks Call for Tougher Measures
In contrast to Biden’s stance, some Republican defense hawks have argued that Iran’s nuclear facilities should be targeted, particularly after Tehran launched approximately 180 missiles at Israel. This missile attack was reportedly in response to Israel’s elimination of top Hezbollah leaders and a recent military operation in Lebanon. With the conflict between Israel and Hamas nearing its one-year mark, Iran’s retaliation has raised concerns about the potential for broader regional conflict.
MORE MUST-READS FROM liveupdatechannel
Israel’s Possible Military Targets in Iran
Esper suggested that Israel has several options for military targets within Iran. Beyond nuclear facilities, Israel could strike ballistic missile production and storage sites, as well as drone manufacturing facilities. Additionally, he pointed out that Israel might consider targeting Iran’s economic infrastructure, particularly its oil refining and distribution facilities. “There are 12 to 14 oil-related facilities Israel could target along the Gulf Coast,” Esper said.
Is Israel Prepared for a Wider Conflict?
When asked if Israel is prepared to handle the risk of a larger regional war, Esper expressed confidence in Israel’s capabilities but noted that they would likely need assistance from allies, particularly the U.S. “I suspect Israel is prepared, but they will need support,” he said, adding that U.S. assistance in terms of munitions and other logistical support would be crucial.
Esper also highlighted that Israel has been preparing for such an operation for a long time, stating, “This is quite a change in the strategic situation. Hamas is nearly decimated, and Hezbollah’s leadership has been significantly weakened.”
Iran’s Response to the Missile Interception
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, defended Tehran’s missile barrage in a rare public address, calling the attack “correct, logical, and lawful.” Despite this, Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system successfully intercepted the majority of the missiles, minimizing damage.
Conclusion: Regional Tensions Escalating
As the situation develops, it’s clear that tensions between Israel and Iran are at a critical point. With Israel’s potential response hanging in the balance, the next steps could have profound implications for the region’s stability. The possibility of Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities or economic infrastructure looms large, but the risks of civilian casualties and broader regional conflict are significant factors in any decision-making process.
FAQs
- What did Mark Esper say about Israel’s potential response to Tehran’s missile attack?
Mark Esper indicated that Israel’s response would likely be a “significant strike” and could target Iran’s leadership or military infrastructure, such as nuclear facilities and command centers. - What risks does Israel face if it targets Iranian nuclear sites?
Esper highlighted that Israel would face the risk of losing personnel, such as pilots, due to the deep penetration required to hit strategic nuclear facilities like Fordow. - What is President Biden’s position on Israeli strikes against Iran?
President Biden has expressed that he does not support Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil or nuclear sites, favoring a diplomatic approach instead. - What other military targets could Israel consider in Iran?
According to Esper, Israel could target ballistic missile production, storage sites, drone manufacturing facilities, and oil refining and distribution centers in Iran. - How has Iran defended its recent missile attack on Israel?
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, defended the missile barrage as “correct, logical, and lawful” during a rare public speech, despite most missiles being intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome. - Is Israel prepared for the risk of a wider regional conflict?
Esper believes that Israel is likely prepared for a broader conflict but would require support from allies like the U.S., particularly for munitions and logistical assistance.