Bowen: The war between Israel and Iran has come out of the shadows
By Jeremy Bowen
The Iranians are playing down the significance of what has happened in the central city of Isfahan overnight.
Officials are saying there has been no attack and state media outlets have posted jokey photos of miniature drones.
US officials say there was a strike, and that poses several questions. In particular, will hardliners in Iran’s military want to push back? And does Israel have plans for more attacks?
This could be Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempt to respond to Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack last weekend without alienating US President Joe Biden any more than he has already.
Mr Biden had asked Israel not to respond to Iran’s aerial assault and to “take the win”.
Britain and other international allies of Israel have also called for restraint in public and through diplomatic channels.
If this strike on Iran is the extent of Israel’s response there is a question over whether it will be enough for the former generals in Mr Netanyahu’s war cabinet, who are believed to have pushed for a strong response.
As they see it, a large response was needed in order to restore Israel’s capacity to deter its enemies.
