By John Dobberstein, Editor
It’s often said that Iran prefers to bankroll terrorism and wield influence in the Middle East rather than conducting full-scale hostilities. But that changed when Iran launched bomb-carrying drones and missiles Saturday from its own territory toward Israel.
The attacked happened just days after its Supreme Leader warned it would respond to an airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that killed several generals.
According to Fox News, Iranian state-run news said Iran had launched ballistic missiles, quoting an anonymous official who said they were part of the attack. U.S. officials said Iran also used cruise missiles.
Slow-moving drones carrying bombs were seen over Iran earlier Saturday but most were easily shot down by armed forces. Israel has missile defense systems capable of targeting ballistic missiles.
However, Fox News reported, in a massive attack involving multiple drones and missiles like the campaign launched late Saturday by Iran, the likelihood of a strike making it through is higher.
Earlier Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had for weeks “been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran.”
The Prime Minister said Israel’s “air defenses are deployed, we are ready for any scenario, both in attack and in defense.”
A U.S. defense official also confirmed that more American assets were being deployed to the Middle East due to credible threats of continued hostilities.
Several Oklahoma lawmakers made brief comments Saturday about Iran’s actions.
“In the strongest terms, and with decisive action, the United States of America must condemn this attack and support our ally, Israel,” said Speaker Charles McCall (R-Atoka). “The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed multiple resolutions reaffirming our state’s support for Israel, and today we stand strong with them as they are once again forced to defend their country against those who would see them eradicated.
“Our prayers are with the Israeli military as they continue to defend their airspace from this ongoing attack, and with those civilians in Israel who may be affected.”
U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (OK-1) said on Twitter that “Iran did not dare to try something like this during President Trump’s campaign of maximum pressure. Biden’s policy of appeasing Iran has clearly failed. We’ve gone from peace through strength to war through weakness.”
“Now more than ever, the White House must end their appeasement strategy towards Iran — the largest state sponsor of terrorism on Earth,” said U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin in a Twitter post. “America stands with Israel. May God bless the Jewish people as they endure these violent attacks.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Lankford said that in the past six months, the Iranian regime has launched thousands of missiles and rockets at Israel through their proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Iran has also launched hundreds of attacks on American forces in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, he said.
“We will pray for peace and protection, but we will also be clear that the United States will stand beside our ally Israel as they fight terrorists and terror regimes,” Lankford said.
Television networks reported President Biden was being regularly updated on the situation by his national security team and was meet with them at the White House.
“President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran,” said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Janice Walker says
🙏 for the peace of Jerusalem. They shall be prosper that love thee. ❤️. Know this for sure he died on the ✝️ so that we could live and that repentance and remission of sins should be preach in his name among “all”;! Nations beginning at Jerusalem. Acts 2:38. Please believe world. The rapture is coming soon.
Vernon Gragg says
Why do our Government right here in Oklahoma they begin to talk to us about the things happening in the world. About a third of the statement instead of encouraging people to come together they start the blame game.
Karen says
Thank you for your incredible reporting, appreciate you so much!
Sincerely
Karen Hinkel