Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, exacerbated by the killing of a senior Revolutionary Guard commander Hassan Mahadavi, have raised the question of how Iran, which has vowed retaliation, could strike against Israel.
In this regard, the Iranians have several direct and indirect means at their disposal to carry out a painful blow that would reverberate in Jerusalem. We have focused on the direct ways Iran could target Israel. Here are some of the different military tools that could be directed against Israel:
Missiles
- Dezful - Range of 1,000 km (620 miles), can carry 450-600 kg (990-1,320 pounds) of explosives.
- Shahab-3 - Range of 1,300 km (810 miles), can carry 750-1,000 kg (1,650-2,200 pounds) of explosives.
- Qhadr - Range of 1,600 km (990 miles), can carry 750 kg (1,650 pounds) of explosives.
- Ahmad - Range of 1,800 km (1,120 miles), can carry 750 kg (1,650 pounds) of explosives.
- Fath-1 - Range of 1,400 km (870 miles), explosive payload unknown.
Video: Iran launches drone attack at Israel, expected to unfold 'over hours' // Reuters
Numerous other missiles, including the Khorramshahr 1,2,4; Soleimani; Haibar; Sajjil; Samat; Hoveizeh; Paveh; Safir; Simorgh; Qased; Zalzaleh; Qaem-100; and various Shahid models with ranges from 1,000-6,000 km (620-3,730 miles) and payloads up to 1,500 kg (3,300 pounds).
Aircraft
- Su-24 - Range 2,775 km (1,725 miles), carries a wide range of missiles and bombs, considered highly maneuverable with stealth capabilities.
- Saegheh - Iranian fighter jet claimed to have a 3,000 km (1,860 mile) range and carry advanced missiles/radar.
- Shafaq - Attack aircraft based on Russian MiG design, details scarce.
Other Potential Threats
- Propaganda efforts to sow discord in Israeli public.
- Remote recruitment of Israeli citizens for espionage through deception or willingly.
- Cyberattacks to disrupt critical infrastructure like health, water, energy, transport.
- Theft of virtual currencies like Bitcoin.
- Defacement of Israeli websites.
- Attacks on Israeli/Jewish targets abroad, similar to 1994 Buenos Aires bombing.
- Missile strikes by Iranian-backed Shia militias in Syria.
- Terror attacks within Israel via infiltration from Syria or Lebanon border.
- Potential strikes from Houthi rebels in Yemen against Israeli shipping or long-range missiles.
As the bitter adversaries trade threats, the range of potential Iranian reprisals against the Jewish state becomes increasingly concerning for Israeli officials and citizens alike.
