**List of attacks during the Iran–Israel war**
**Definition**
The list of attacks during the Iran–Israel war encompasses the various military, covert, cyber, and proxy operations conducted by Iran and Israel against each other, reflecting the ongoing conflict and hostilities between the two nations. These attacks include airstrikes, assassinations, cyberattacks, sabotage, and proxy engagements primarily occurring since the early 2000s, intensifying in the 2010s and 2020s.
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# List of attacks during the Iran–Israel war
The Iran–Israel war refers to the ongoing covert and overt conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, characterized by a series of military, intelligence, and cyber operations. This conflict, which has not escalated into a full-scale conventional war, involves a complex interplay of direct and proxy engagements, including targeted assassinations, sabotage of nuclear and military facilities, cyber warfare, and attacks on shipping and military assets. The hostilities are rooted in ideological, geopolitical, and security concerns, with Iran’s nuclear program and support for anti-Israel militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas being central points of contention.
This article provides a comprehensive list and description of notable attacks attributed to either Iran or Israel in the context of this conflict, highlighting the methods, targets, and consequences of these operations.
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## Background
The Iran–Israel conflict is deeply intertwined with regional politics in the Middle East. Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran has adopted a staunchly anti-Israel stance, refusing to recognize the Israeli state and supporting various militant groups opposed to Israel. Israel, perceiving Iran’s nuclear ambitions and proxy activities as existential threats, has engaged in a range of covert and overt operations aimed at curbing Iran’s military capabilities and influence.
The conflict has largely been fought through proxy wars in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, as well as through cyber warfare and targeted strikes. Both nations have avoided direct large-scale military confrontation, instead opting for asymmetric tactics.
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## Chronology of notable attacks
### 1. Early 2000s: The beginning of covert hostilities
– **2007: Stuxnet cyberattack**
One of the earliest and most significant attacks attributed to Israel (in cooperation with the United States) was the Stuxnet computer worm, which targeted Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities at Natanz. The malware caused centrifuges to malfunction, delaying Iran’s nuclear program.
– **2008: Assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists**
A series of assassinations targeted Iranian nuclear scientists, including Masoud Ali-Mohammadi in 2010. These attacks were widely attributed to Israeli intelligence agencies aiming to disrupt Iran’s nuclear development.
### 2. 2010s: Escalation of covert and proxy attacks
– **2010: Bushehr nuclear plant sabotage attempts**
Reports emerged of sabotage attempts at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, including mysterious explosions and fires, believed to be orchestrated by Israeli operatives.
– **2012: Attack on Iranian weapons shipments**
Israeli forces reportedly attacked Iranian arms shipments destined for Hezbollah in Syria and Lebanon, including airstrikes on convoys and warehouses.
– **2013: Assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan**
Roshan was killed in a car bomb attack in Tehran, an operation attributed to Israeli intelligence.
– **2015: Israeli airstrikes in Syria**
Israel conducted multiple airstrikes against Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Syria, aiming to prevent the transfer of advanced weapons and to degrade Iranian military infrastructure.
### 3. Late 2010s to early 2020s: Intensification and cyber warfare
– **2018: Assassination of General Qasem Soleimani (planned attempts)**
While the actual killing of Soleimani was carried out by the United States in 2020, Israel reportedly attempted to assassinate the Iranian general multiple times, reflecting the high priority placed on neutralizing him.
– **2019: Cyberattacks on Israeli infrastructure**
Iran launched cyberattacks targeting Israeli water systems and other critical infrastructure, aiming to cause disruption and demonstrate capability.
– **2020: Assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh**
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a leading figure in Iran’s nuclear program, was assassinated near Tehran in an operation widely attributed to Israel. The attack involved a complex ambush using remote-controlled weapons.
– **2020: Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria**
Israel intensified airstrikes against Iranian military positions and weapons depots in Syria, aiming to prevent Iranian entrenchment near Israeli borders.
### 4. 2021–2023: Proxy conflicts and maritime attacks
– **2021: Attacks on Iranian ships and oil tankers**
Several Iranian vessels were targeted in the Gulf of Oman and the Mediterranean Sea, with Israel suspected of involvement to disrupt Iranian oil exports and military logistics.
– **2022: Drone and missile attacks in Syria and Lebanon**
Israel continued to conduct strikes against Iranian-backed militias and weapons convoys, often using drones and precision missiles.
– **2023: Cyberattacks and sabotage in Iran**
Israel reportedly launched cyber operations targeting Iranian military command and control systems, as well as sabotage operations against nuclear and missile facilities.
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## Types of attacks
### Military airstrikes
Israel has frequently used air power to strike Iranian military assets in Syria and Lebanon, targeting weapons shipments, missile factories, and military bases. These strikes aim to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent military presence near Israel’s borders.
### Assassinations and targeted killings
Both Iran and Israel have engaged in targeted killings of key figures. Israel has targeted Iranian nuclear scientists and military commanders, while Iran has targeted Israeli operatives and diplomats abroad.
### Cyber warfare
Cyberattacks have become a prominent feature of the conflict. The Stuxnet worm is the most famous example, but both sides have launched numerous cyber operations aimed at disrupting military, nuclear, and civilian infrastructure.
### Proxy warfare
Iran supports proxy groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and militias in Syria and Iraq, which have engaged in attacks against Israel. Israel, in turn, has targeted these groups through airstrikes and covert operations.
### Maritime sabotage
Attacks on shipping vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, have been reported in the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea. These operations aim to disrupt Iranian economic and military logistics.
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## Notable incidents
### Assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh (2020)
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was a senior Iranian nuclear scientist and military officer. His assassination near Tehran involved a remote-controlled machine gun mounted on a vehicle, combined with an explosive device. The operation was attributed to Israeli intelligence and significantly impacted Iran’s nuclear program.
### Stuxnet cyberattack (2007–2010)
Stuxnet was a sophisticated computer worm designed to target Siemens industrial control systems used in Iran’s uranium enrichment centrifuges. The attack caused physical damage to centrifuges and delayed Iran’s nuclear progress. It is considered the first known cyberweapon used to cause physical destruction.
### Israeli airstrikes in Syria (2013–present)
Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syria targeting Iranian military infrastructure, weapons shipments, and Hezbollah positions. These strikes aim to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent military foothold near Israel.
### Assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists
Between 2010 and 2012, several Iranian nuclear scientists were assassinated in Tehran and other cities. These attacks involved car bombs, shootings, and other covert methods, and were widely attributed to Israeli intelligence.
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## Impact and consequences
The ongoing series of attacks between Iran and Israel has had significant regional and international implications:
– **Delay of Iran’s nuclear program**: Targeted assassinations and cyberattacks have slowed Iran’s nuclear development, though Iran continues to advance its capabilities.
– **Escalation of proxy conflicts**: The attacks have intensified proxy wars in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, leading to increased instability.
– **Cybersecurity concerns**: The conflict has highlighted the growing role of cyber warfare in modern conflicts, prompting nations worldwide to bolster cyber defenses.
– **Diplomatic tensions**: The attacks have complicated diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iran nuclear issue and have contributed to heightened tensions in the Middle East.
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## Conclusion
The list of attacks during the Iran–Israel war reflects a multifaceted and ongoing conflict characterized by covert operations, proxy engagements, and cyber warfare. While neither side has engaged in open conventional warfare, the persistent hostilities have shaped regional security dynamics and underscored the evolving nature of modern conflict. Understanding these attacks provides insight into the strategic calculations and security concerns driving the Iran–Israel confrontation.
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**Meta description:**
This article provides a comprehensive list of attacks during the Iran–Israel war, detailing military strikes, assassinations, cyberattacks, and proxy engagements that define the ongoing conflict between the two nations.