Iran has notably refrained from any immediate retaliatory action after the recent drone incident near Isfahan, which some reports have attributed to Israel. This moderation in response is seen as an effort by both nations to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-scale regional conflict.
A senior Iranian official, preferring to remain anonymous, stated, “The foreign source of the incident has not been confirmed,” also noting, “We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more toward infiltration than attack.” This suggests that Tehran is carefully navigating its next steps, perhaps in recognition of the broader geopolitical implications.
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, despite showcasing Tehran’s retaliatory capability shown in a prior assault, did not mention the recent incident in Isfahan. State media has also played down the occurrence, with Iranian state TV stating that air defense systems had taken down “three drones” over Isfahan without causing harm.
On the other side of the equation, Israel’s official position remains silent, although some Israeli politicians have made statements that indirectly acknowledge the incident. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s laconic tweet “lame!” and other comments by Israeli politicians have been met with criticism for potentially undermining Israel’s security and international standing.
The Washington Post quotes a regional intelligence source asserting that direct state-to-state strikes between Israel and Iran are “over,” pointing to an assessment that Iran will not respond. “Never has a cabinet minister so badly hurt the country’s security, image and international standing,” wrote Lapid on X. “In an unforgivable, one-word tweet Ben Gvir managed to make Israel into a laughing stock, disgracing it from Tehran to Washington.”
Former national security adviser Eyal Hulata underscored the importance of Iran recognizing Israel’s military capabilities, with support from the United States, as a deterrence factor.Both countries appear to be giving each other “room for cover and denial,” according to Zvika Haimovitch, a former commander of the IDF air defense array.
The Israeli response was thought to have been tempered by international pressure to make sure that the reply did not further escalate tensions.“Nobody wants war with Iran right now,” Netanyahu confidant Natan Eshel was quoted saying by journalist Ben Caspit. “We proved to them that we can infiltrate and strike within their borders and they weren’t able to inside ours. The messages are more important than the grandstanding. We currently have more important tasks both in Gaza and Lebanon.”
The international community, including G7 foreign ministers, has called for de-escalation in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the G7’s commitment to de-escalating tensions while also reinforcing the US’s commitment to Israel’s security.
“It’s too early to say that it’s over,” former national security adviser Ephraim Halevy told Army Radio. “But there’s a difference between the Iranian attack and the Israeli response which is intended to send a message and not result in widespread and significant [damage].”
Relevant articles:
– Iran says no retaliation planned, as both sides seek distance from Isfahan attack
– Israel, Iran play down apparent Israeli strike. The muted responses could calm tensions — for now, The Associated Press, Fri, 19 Apr 2024 23:58:00 GMT
– Israel strikes Iran with a missile, U.S. officials say, as Tehran downplays Netanyahu’s apparent retaliation, CBS News, Fri, 19 Apr 2024 23:45:41 GMT
– Middle East crisis: Blinken calls for calm as Iran official says no plan for immediate retaliation to reported Israeli missile strike – as it happened, The Guardian, Fri, 19 Apr 2024 17:00:03 GMT