Commentary
Iran launched an attack on Israel with 181 ballistic missiles on October 1, surpassing their previous attack in April where they fired 120 missiles. Despite this, the advanced anti-missile technologies of the United States and Israel successfully intercepted the majority of the missiles, showcasing a significant defensive victory. The engineers and physicists behind these defenses deserve recognition for potentially protecting cities from nuclear threats in the future.
However, the attack highlights Iran’s ongoing hostility towards Israel, leading to civilians seeking refuge in bomb shelters. Tehran’s support for terrorist groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis continues to pose a threat not only to Israel but also to U.S. forces and international security.
While the defensive success is commendable, it does not negate Iran’s alarming actions, including supplying drones to Russia for attacks on Ukrainian civilians and pursuing nuclear weapons. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had warned Iran of consequences prior to the attack, emphasizing the need for a strong response.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called for decisive action, urging the United States to support Israel and combat Iran’s aggressive behavior. With military presence in the region, the U.S. has the capability to target Iran’s key facilities involved in weapon production and export, potentially disrupting their operations and deterring further attacks.
Iran’s ambitions for regional dominance through military exports and support for terrorism pose a significant threat to stability. Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities is crucial to preventing a dangerous escalation in the Middle East and safeguarding U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia.
Maintaining a strong deterrence against aggressive regimes like Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea is essential for global security. Failure to respond firmly to attacks undermines credibility and invites further aggression. By targeting military-industrial sites and oil hubs, a coalition of nations can effectively neutralize Iran’s ability to threaten peace.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
