Washington Post Report on Israel's Potential Targets in Attacking Iran's Military, Oil, and Nuclear Facilities

The Washington Post published a detailed report on Friday, October 26, examining some potential targets for Israel in an attack on Iran; an attack that is presented as a response to the extensive missile strike by the Islamic Republic on Israel three weeks ago. According to the report, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has stated that Israel will attack Iranian military facilities at the request of U.S. President Joe Biden, but will avoid targeting nuclear and oil facilities. However, Israeli officials emphasized that the selection of targets will be based on Israel's 'national interests,' not on U.S. recommendations. Military Facilities A former U.S. official told the Washington Post that attacking Iranian military facilities not only fulfills Biden's request but also has operational advantages for Israel and reduces Iran's ability for retaliatory strikes. He also considers attacking Iran's missile sites a 'logical option' for Israel. Missile bases in Tabriz, Kermanshah, Imam in western Iran, and Bandar Abbas in the south are among the sites mentioned in this report. Experts believe that missile sites in western Iran are more significant due to their proximity to Israel. It has also been reported that Iran's last attack on Israel involved firing over 180 missiles, and there may be more missile sites in Iran than previously thought. Oil Facilities The Washington Post further examined the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iranian oil facilities, although the Biden administration does not support such an attack. An attack on oil facilities could seriously harm Iran economically, as Tehran is heavily dependent on oil revenues. Experts believe that attacking multiple oil facilities in Iran may not have much impact due to their dispersion; however, attacking key infrastructure such as pipeline connections and pumping stations could disrupt Iran's oil transfer for a long time. Nuclear Facilities The Washington Post also explored the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Nuclear installations in Isfahan and Fordow between Tehran and Qom are among the potential targets. However, the Biden administration is strongly opposed to such an attack, viewing it as a risky action in the region. Blinken: The Iranian government and Hezbollah should not hinder security and stability in Lebanon. The killing of two Israelis in a Hezbollah rocket attack; Katz: The world must stop the Iranian government now. Hezbollah's attack on an Arab city in Israel left 9 injured. The White House: We are not seeking regime change in Iran. Blinken: The U.S. and Israel are cooperating to prevent Iranian government aggressions. Suspension of Qatar Airways flights to Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon. The Times: Israel postponed its attack on Iran after the disclosure of U.S. intelligence documents. The U.S. Secretary of Defense: The deployment of the THAAD defense system demonstrates America's ironclad commitment to defending Israel.