Iran has come out of the shadows and attacked Israel directly. **Read OP before posting**

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-used-radar-evading-missile-in-strike-on-iranian-s-300-near-natanz-report/

I remember hearing for years how formidable the Russian s-300 and 400 air defense system was. I think the war in Ukraine and this strike shows Russian military equipment is inferior to western military kit. Exports of Russian military equipment must have taken a big hit in the last couple of years. Also if this report is true then it's no wonder the Iranians are keen to move on.

Some reports now saying that the strike on the consulate killed the entire IRGC command (the guys responsible for attacks on Israel from Syria/Lebanon including Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Rahimi). Apparently they thought the consulate was safe and the last place the Israeli's would bomb. There's also a hint that Syria or some insiders there might not be 100% onside with Iran.

More analysis developing from OSINT and other sources on the Iranian missile/drone attack. Looks like:

• Around 170 drones, mostly Shaheds
• Around 30 cruise missiles, probable to be the latest ones (2022)
• Around 120 ballistic missiles. Generally seem to be more advanced medium range missiles.
• The number of ballistic missiles fired could have been close to the max Iran can launch at one time due to launcher limitations (the mobile systems)
• Up to 50% of these missiles may have failed on launch (pinch of salt, can't be validated. However if untrue, then ballistic interceptions were much higher)
• It's possible some of these interceptions occurred outside earth's atmosphere (e.g. Israel's Arrow 2 or 3, or US Navy's SM3 anti-ballistic missile system)

If true it makes sense. It would drag attention away from Ukraine (and support), plus it would probably have the effect putting pressure on Biden during a critical election year (he would be blamed for this war), Putin is very keen for Trump to get into power.

Russia is continually growing ties with Iran and recently got several hundred missiles off them (to blast Ukrainians with)

Interesting views from a military analyst, including that Iran could be using Russia almost as a proxy (like Hezbollah, Hamas, etc) in a more equal relationship rather than something too one-sided.

Head of Israeli intelligence resigns. Just waiting for one more now

Its one Israeli critic agreeing with another on social media.

According to OSINT and most sources the attack didn't do much damage. It doesn't seem like Israel stopped "99%", but it was a high figure, probably 95%+

Decent analysis here (around an hour long)

In a way yes, but it depends.

One of Iran's openly stated goals is the destruction or wiping out of Israel, which has been repeated many times in many forms. It has worked with or used proxies for those ends. Houthis would be a good example, whereby Iran supplies them with weapons in exchange for them attacking and making aggressive moves on the behest of Iran. Likewise Hamas.

Iran's doctrine is basically attack.

When it comes to Iran, Israel's goals are different, they are more defense orientated. In that end they rely on e.g. the US, Jordan (and even Saudi now) more as allies/partners (and now silent partners). The US for example said it would have nothing to do with Israel's recent attack on Iran. Not to say they aren't a "proxy" entirely, but the relationship and nature of it is different.