Iran launches Middle East's biggest missile and drone assault but fails to deliver

An attack on Iran itself could not be ruled out, said military expert Sam Cranny-Evans of the Rusi think tank. While its western allies will be using all the leverage they can to prevent a significant escalation, Israeli politicians will already have been presented with detailed and well-rehearsed strike options on Iran’s military infrastructure. “Israel will certainly retaliate, although they would have the choice not to,” said Mr Cranny-Evans. “There are two broad options. A restrained and focused series of strikes against key Iranian targets, including air defences, launchers and missile depots, or against proxies in Syria and Yemen. The second would be unrestrained strikes at Iran in general, starting with critical military infrastructure.”