Khamenei’s “Maximum Damage” Plan Derailed

According to a New York Times report, during Friday’s emergency session of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ayatollah Khamenei directed military forces to launch up to 1,000 ballistic missiles at Israel. This was intended as a retaliatory move for Israel’s initial strike, which reportedly eliminated a significant portion of Iran’s top military leadership. The objective was to overwhelm Israel’s air defense systems and inflict “maximum damage.”

However, Israel’s strikes on Iranian missile bases, executed just hours before, rendered the planned assault logistically unfeasible. Iran ultimately launched around 100 missiles in the initial salvo, followed by smaller barrages throughout the night.

Internal Division and Strategic Paralysis

Internal discussions revealed deep disagreements among Iranian leadership regarding both the timing and nature of any military response. Khamenei, though seeking retribution, expressed a desire to avoid rash decisions. There was debate over whether Iran could sustain a prolonged war with Israel—especially if it escalated into direct confrontation with the United States.

One high-ranking official warned that an Israeli attack on critical infrastructure such as water and energy facilities could spark domestic unrest or mass protests. A senior member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) disclosed that Khamenei faced a turning point: to risk a war that might end his rule—or to show restraint, which could be interpreted as defeat.

Misplaced Confidence and Strategic Miscalculation

Iranian officials had spent more than a week preparing for a potential Israeli strike—but only if the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States collapsed. They believed an attack before the next scheduled round of talks (set for Sunday in Oman) was unlikely. Iranian leadership reportedly dismissed media warnings as Israeli psychological warfare intended to pressure Tehran into concessions.

This miscalculation led to complacency. As per the New York Times, planned defensive precautions may have been ignored, leaving senior officials exposed. Iranian sources told the newspaper that even IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani may have been killed in the Israeli strikes—though this claim remains unconfirmed.

Shocking Internal Communications: “Where Is Our Air Defense?”

The New York Times also published excerpts from internal communications among Iranian officials, reflecting disbelief and frustration. “Where is our air defense?” asked one official angrily. Another fumed: “How can Israel come and strike anything it wants, assassinate our top commanders—and we can’t stop it?”

In the wake of the attacks, Iranian military forces reportedly rushed to restore damaged air defense systems across several regions.

Iran Threatens to Expand War to U.S. Targets

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency quoted a “well-informed source” claiming that senior Iranian military commanders expect the conflict to widen in coming days. According to the report, U.S. bases in the region may also become targets. “The attackers,” the source said, “will be met with a forceful and broad Iranian response.”

Israeli Air Force Establishes Dominance Over Tehran

Overnight, the Israeli Air Force launched precision strikes on dozens of anti-aircraft systems in western Iran and around Tehran. The attacks allowed Israeli fighter jets to operate with unprecedented freedom at multiple altitudes above the Iranian capital.

Pilots reportedly neutralized surface-to-air missile batteries before they could engage. Among the early targets was an international airport near Tehran, which housed munitions depots and outdated fighter jets. Israeli sources said the goal was to render the airport unusable.

“We executed a series of strategic precision strikes over Tehran with operational and national significance,” said Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar. “Following a day of intense operations—during which we struck hundreds of targets, including dozens of surface-to-air missile positions—this marks the first time since the war began that dozens of Israeli fighter jets flew over Tehran, more than 1,500 kilometers from Israeli territory.”