Iran's homegrown missile strikes on Israel: Operation Iron and Blood reveals the steadfastness and revenge of the Middle East powers

I. Introduction: Missile attacks that shook the world

Recently, Iran launched missiles directly from its own territory to attack the Israeli mainland in an unprecedented and resolute gesture, which caused a strong global shock. This unprecedented military action has not only upset the original balance of the regional security pattern, but also subverted the international community's perception of Iran's foreign policy as a consistent "patient" image. Iran's move is like a mirror, reflecting its national character similar to that of Russia - revenge must be avenged, fearless of power, and showing the iron will and firm stand that few countries dare to show on the international stage. This article will delve into the background, significance, and implications of this incident for international relations, and explore how Iran's move reveals a similar attitude to Russia's response to external provocations, as well as how the two countries demonstrate their unique national character and strategic considerations through practical actions from a global perspective.

2. Background of the incident: a long-standing hostile relationship

Tensions between Iran and Israel have a long history of deep differences over geopolitics, religion and nuclear issues in the Middle East. Israel views Iran as the biggest security threat, accusing it of supporting regional extremist groups, developing nuclear weapons, and threatening Israel's national security through proxy wars. Iran, for its part, views Israel as the bridgehead of the United States in the Middle East, strongly opposes its policy on the Palestinian issue, and accuses Israel of frequent pre-emptive military actions in the region. Years of hostility escalated under a series of events that culminated in an unprecedented homegrown missile strike.

3. Interpretation of actions: Iran's unbearable and vengeful will be avenged

For a long time, the international community generally believed that Iran had demonstrated high strategic endurance in the face of external pressure. However, the missile attack clearly shows that Iran's "patience" is not without a bottom line, and once it touches its core interests and national dignity, its counterattack will exceed the expectations of the outside world. Iran's choice to launch missiles directly from its territory to strike Israel is not only a direct response to the latter's provocative actions such as repeated air strikes on Iranian facilities and assassination of scientists, but also a powerful refutation of the so-called "first forbearance" label from the outside world. This move declares to the world that Iran has and is willing to use long-range precision strike capabilities when necessary to defend its interests and sovereignty from infringement.

Fourth, compared with Russia: similar personalities and different strategic considerations

Iran's actions are similar in nature to Russia's military involvement in Ukraine, with both demonstrating zero tolerance for hostilities and a resolute will to retaliate. However, the two countries have different strategic considerations and ways of acting:

1. **Common Ground: A Revenge National Character and an Independent Foreign Policy**

- Both Iran and Russia share a strong sense of national pride and historical mission, and both countries have shown an indomitable spirit in the face of external pressure and provocations, and have persistently defended their national interests and territorial integrity. In terms of foreign policy, both countries emphasize independence and self-determination, are not at the mercy of Western powers, and have a distinctly confrontational attitude towards international sanctions and pressure.

2. **Difference point: the difference between the operational context and the strategic goal**

- Iran: The missile strike is the cumulative effect of Israel's long-standing hostile behavior and is intended to warn adversaries to stop acting rashly and protect its nuclear facilities and other strategic assets from further destruction. In addition, it will help to strengthen the national cohesion of the people at home, consolidate the legitimacy of the regime, and reshape the balance of power in the region by demonstrating military power in the region.

- Russia: The military involvement in Ukraine is based on deep concerns about NATO's eastward expansion, and is aimed at protecting Russia's strategic buffer zone, asserting its influence in the post-Soviet space, and reshaping the multipolar world order. The military operation has a clear geopolitical objective and is aimed at reshaping the European security architecture and gaining the initiative in the long-term game with the West.

5. International repercussions and impacts

1. **Heightened instability in the Middle East**

- Iran's homegrown missile strikes on Israel have undoubtedly exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and may lead to regional countries taking sides and forming new bloc confrontations. Israel is likely to retaliate more aggressively, while other Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are likely to strengthen their security cooperation with Israel in response to the Iranian threat.

2. **International Legal & Ethical Controversy**

- Iran's direct military strike has sparked international debate about national sovereignty, the right to self-defense, and the limits of the use of force. Some countries and international organizations are likely to condemn Iran for violating international law and demand that it immediately stop its attacks and resolve the issue diplomatically. At the same time, other countries may call on the international community to confront Israel's long-standing provocations out of understanding and support for Iran's behavior.

3. **Global Strategic Balance Adjustment**

- Iran's move demonstrates its determination to break with conventions and take tough action under certain conditions, which will force major global powers to reassess their relations with Iran and their Middle East policies, and may prompt some countries to adjust their sanctions against Iran and seek to reduce tensions through dialogue and negotiation.

4. **International Arms Race and Missile Defence System Upgrade**

- The demonstration of Iran's indigenous missile strike capability may lead to neighboring countries and regions speeding up the construction of missile defense systems, triggering a new round of arms race. At the same time, the international community's concern about the proliferation of missile technology is likely to intensify, prompting the discussion and revision of relevant international treaties and non-proliferation regimes.

6. The Complex Reality and Future Prospects Behind Bloodiness

Iran's own missile strikes on Israel undoubtedly reveal its revenge character, which is similar to Russia's, and shatter the outside world's inherent impression of its "first forbearance". Behind this iron-clad action, however, is the region's complex historical grievances, geopolitical rivalries, and the international community's long-standing concern over the Iranian nuclear issue. In the future, how to ease tensions and avoid escalation of conflicts through diplomatic means under the dual goals of safeguarding national interests and regional security and stability will be a serious challenge for Iran, Israel, and the international community. At the same time, this incident also provides a warning for conflict resolution on a global scale: in the face of deep-seated contradictions and conflicts of interest, it is often difficult to achieve lasting peace by relying solely on military means, and seeking inclusive dialogue and cooperation is the long-term way to resolve hostility and achieve win-win results.