How Iran hit back and exposed Israel's weakness, with Ali Abunimah

On Tuesday night, Iran launched a massive ballistic missile strike on Israel, targeting military and intelligence assets across the Zionist state.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that in carrying out the attack, “Iran exercised its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.” Israel is vowing to hit back.

Ali Abunimah takes a close look at how the Iranian operation unfolded. Why did Tehran act now? What did its strike achieve? Did the US and Israel really manage to thwart it in any significant way? How might Tel Aviv respond, and what will Iran do if it does?

Iran’s strike came just days after Israel carried out an apocalyptic bombing attack on Beirut’s southern suburb, killing Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary-general of the Lebanese resistance group Hizballah.

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[imogen]

That CNN reporter also commented on Iran’s brazenness for aiming a missile at the Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv, which is in a “densely populated area.” Oh the irony!

[alestbest]

If the attack wasn't effective, the USA and Israel don't have to be upset

[Salahdiator]

I applaud Iran 🇮🇷 for putting its money where its mouth is. It really puts to shame the rest of the Muslim so called leaders

[truthhurts]

As a Sunni Muslim I am proud of Iranian stand and courage unlike majority of the hypocrites leaders in the Middle East

[gandhi]

Israelis can thank Iranian decency for not targetting civilian areas...

[Girlatwork]

Not sure why they are crying when they have dual nationalities. No one is forcing them to occupy other people's land. They can leave.

[AfG_]

If it wasn’t for social media, the whole world would have believed the west.

[ernestomontoya]

Iran is showing what real resistance looks like—targeting military, not civilians. Unlike Israel’s brutality in Gaza, Iran actually values human rights. It's time the world sees the difference between defending people and committing atrocities.

[Ghandi]

As an American, a tax payer, and a mother, I am deeply depressed and discouraged the direction our country has taken. Backing a campaign of extermination by Israel. God help us.

[artbeck]

This colonial entity selectively chooses to quote UN mandates when it suits, but discounts EVERY resolution passed against it for its past crimes. Pure HYPOCRISY.

[spamfilter]

Iran has a right to defend itself. Free Palestine 🇵🇸 free Lebanon 🇱🇧

[manuag]

Keep up the high quality journalism! Your work is crucial.

[AilsaPehi]

Call the retaliation whatever you like, but the fact is it was a calculated targeted counter to terrorism in the region operating within the boundary of international law. US and its proxies were warned well in advance of a strike coming from Iran. No civilian areas were hit. Quite patient and restrained, I'd say. Iran's military supporters wouldn't expect less of them.

[drpk]

This was such an eye opener program.
Ali is extremely knowledgable and well-articulated.

[Bavafa]

Way to go Iran.
Iran has the right to defend itself and a moral duty to stand against genocide.

[uroojnafees]

For the first time in my life...LONG LIVE IRAN❤❤❤

[PerceivedREALITY]

Iran is deleting IDF faster than YT deletes my comments.

[rouzbehmosavari]

Thank you both🙏,
As Iranian I am very sad, because we lost Mr.Dr.Haniah and Mr.Nassrallah but let's be honest:
We want just a normal life for us and our neighbours that includes freedom for Palestinians and without that we can not be secure.

Let's help our Resistance.
God bless the Resistance 🌹

[shawnasmith]

Word on the street is they lost 20 f-35 jets

[THEAAPO]

I admit, I was upset Iran did it at night and gave the Israelis prior warning, but WOW did Ali OPEN MY EYES about the Spectacle Iran WANTED to give!!! BRAVO!