Explained: Here are 4 military options Israel may consider against Iran
Israeli air force F-15 jets are fuelled in the air during an exhibition as part of a pilot graduation ceremony at the Hatzerim air base, southern Israel June 25, 2009. (Reuters Photo)
The rhetoric in Israel is intensifying over the possible military response targeting Iran’s multiple strategic locations after its recent attacks.
Tel Aviv did not respond forcefully against Tehran’s quite limited missile attacks in April 2024. However, following the recent escalation in the scale and intensity of Iran’s attacks, Israel’s War Cabinet is discussing various scenarios that could hurt Iran dearly.
Times of Israel reported that the Israeli Cabinet has already decided to respond to Iran’s attacks militarily, but discussions are underway regarding the strategy and scale of the response.
The intensity of the situation in Israel is reflected by the tweet from Israel’s former Prime Minister Naftali Bennet, who said: ”This is the greatest opportunity in 50 years to change the face of the Middle East.”
What are Israel’s options?
1. Iran’s nuclear facilities
Bushehr, Iran’s nuclear facility, located in the Persian Gulf, seems the most likely target for Israel if the country decides to hit Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is one of Iran’s most well-known facilities. Construction of the plant began in 1975 but was interrupted after the Iranian Revolution. It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that construction resumed with Russia’s assistance.
Today, Bushehr operates as Iran’s only civilian nuclear energy power plant, with plans for further expansion through cooperation with Russia.
However, many of Iran’s nuclear sites are located in naturally fortified areas, shielded by mountain ranges
2. Iran’s oil facilities
Oil is a critical lifeline for Israel’s economy, and Israeli leadership is expected to prioritize targeting Iran’s oil facilities in their response. If Israel chooses this option, it means that it aims to weaken Iran economically. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s remarks “Iran will pay for it” may be a reference to targeting Iran’s economic backbone.
Kharg Oil Terminal is one of the first possible targets. The terminal is located approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) away from Iran’s northwestern coast and it handles 90% of the country’s global crude oil exports.
Also, multiple oil terminals in Hormozgan, a southern province of Iran, can be a target for Israel. The province also hosts Iran’s one and only oil bourse.
3. Iran’s air defense systems, launch pads
Israel may respond to Iran’s military infrastructure, including the launch pads used for the ballistic missiles. Possible targets may also include command centers, refuel tanks and storage bunkers.
Among all potential targets, Iran’s air defense systems appear the most likely, as they are considered weak and ineffective.
According to an article by The Atlantic, one source close to the Iranian military said: “We don’t have a f***** air force.” The article highlighted that Russian military support has not been substantial enough to close the gap in Iran’s air force capabilities.
4. Targeted assassinations
Israel may carry out covert operations to assassinate the key figure in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
