NEW YORK (Agencies): In a significant escalation of tensions, Israel has conducted clandestine strikes against two critical natural gas pipelines within Iran. These covert operations represent a departure from Israel’s historical focus on military and nuclear sites inside Iran. The recent attacks on energy infrastructure mark a new phase in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
The targeted gas pipelines span over 1,000 kilometers and play a crucial role in Iran’s energy supply. The explosions caused by the strikes temporarily disrupted approximately one-sixth of Iran’s daily natural gas production, leading to localized outages.
Despite Iran’s assertion that the damage was minor and repairs were swiftly completed, the strikes serve as a stark warning of Israel’s capabilities. The New York Times (NYT) sources emphasize the potential impact Israel could inflict on Iran’s critical infrastructure.
Executing such sabotage would have required inside knowledge of the complex pipeline system. Given the vast distances and varied terrain the pipelines traverse, this covert operation underscores the challenge faced by those orchestrating the attacks.
In the broader context, recent Israeli and US strikes have targeted Iranian commanders in Syria and locations associated with the Axis of Resistance in Iraq and Syria. The Axis of Resistance, comprising Hezbollah, Hamas, and Yemen’s Houthis, opposes US and Israeli influence in the Middle East.
While Iran supports the Axis of Resistance, it has categorically denied any involvement in the events of October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages.
As tensions persist, the covert war between Israel and Iran continues to unfold, with implications for regional stability and global security.