Israeli Strike in Iran Should Mark End of Tit-For-Tat Attacks: Pentagon

The Pentagon stated that Israel’s recent precision airstrike on Iranian military sites, in response to Iran’s October 1 missile attack, should end the tit-for-tat strikes between the nations.

"We believe that this should be the end of this tit-for-tat," said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a meeting today with reporters. "We don't think that Iran should or needs to respond. On Oct. 1, Iran launched the 200 ballistic missiles that were targeting civilian population centers. Israel's response was targeted at military targets. We see this as a way to off-ramp." 

While Israeli defense systems intercepted and neutralized the majority of the Iranian missiles, a few impacted minor infrastructure, resulting in minimal damage.

In a weekend call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reaffirmed the United States’ "ironclad commitment" to Israel's security and reiterated support for Israel's right to defend itself. Austin also emphasized the need for Iran to refrain from further escalation, signaling that the U.S. views this as an opportunity to conclude the cycle of retaliatory actions between Israel and Iran.

This development comes amid heightened tensions following the October 7 attack by the Hamas group on Israel, which has intensified U.S. defense efforts in the region. The Pentagon has reaffirmed its commitment to protect U.S. forces and regional allies, aiming to prevent any exploitation of current tensions or broadening of the conflict.

Alongside discussions of de-escalation, Austin addressed potential diplomatic avenues, including a possible ceasefire in Gaza and steps towards stabilization in Lebanon.

Iran’s Defense Minister, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, reported that Israel’s airstrike caused only minor damage to Iranian military facilities, which were quickly repaired. He accused Israel of “violating all international laws” and asserted that nations with strong scientific capabilities hold significant influence, stating, “If we lacked such power, other states would not have permitted us to take these actions.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting after an Israeli strike on Iranian military sites, condemning it as a violation of Iran's sovereignty and international law. The attack, which killed four Iranian soldiers, is described as a threat to regional stability. “In accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and within the framework of international law, the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its inherent right to respond to this criminal act of aggression,” the minister wrote in a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council.