Tel Aviv, Israel – The Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that a large-scale airstrike planned against “hundreds of targets” in Iran last week was called off just one hour before it was to begin. This came as a result of direct intervention from US President Donald Trump, according to Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Omer Tischler, who revealed this in a message to his unit and personnel.
The report quoted Tischler as saying that the entire Israeli Air Force was on high alert. He added that it was just hours away from issuing the final order to take off and strike hundreds of vital targets deep inside Iran. He also noted that the decision to halt the operation was made abruptly while the fighter squadrons were receiving their final military briefings at their air bases.
US pressure to prevent escalation
These developments come amid intense pressure from President Trump on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the latest round of conflict and avoid sliding into a full-blown regional war. Furthermore, they coincide with progress in negotiations leading to the recently announced memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, aimed at ending the war that began on February 28, 2016.
The Israeli Air Force commander explained in his message that “it is still too early to assess the impact of current political and global developments on the security situation in the region.” This message was a clear reference to the intensive diplomatic efforts being led by the US administration.
Evaluating the results of previous strikes
Regarding the attacks already carried out by the Israeli Air Force before the major operation was called off, Major General Tischler confirmed that the Israeli leadership had achieved significant strategic objectives. He added, “We dealt powerful and severe blows to the Iranian leadership, targeting its defensive and offensive systems, sectors related to its nuclear program, its economy, its command and control chain, as well as its technological expertise and domestic military industries.”
Tischler emphasized that these strikes significantly reduced the Iranian threat and prolonged any reconstruction efforts Tehran might undertake. He also affirmed that the Israeli military maintained its full capability and readiness to resume military operations in Iran should security requirements necessitate it.
