Israel could also target Iranian assets, such as oil refineries, as oil revenues support Iran’s economy despite numerous international sanctions.
Again, this could come through jets, long-range missiles or sabotage on the ground.
While this is an option, it may not be the most strategic, however, as it is not the most direct way for Israel to kneecap Iran’s military abilities.
It would also likely trigger volatility in global petrol prices, which would risk upsetting Western allies despite much of Iranian fuel being under sanction.
Targets outside Iran
Another option Israel could take would be to hit either Iranian targets abroad, or to go after various proxy groups backed by Iran, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen.
The current scenario could present “an opportunity to hit more forcefully more Iranian proxies,” said Richard Pater, director of the Britain-Israel Communications and Research Centre.
There is likely “a bank of targets in Lebanon and Syria that Israel hasn’t hit yet, and is saving for a more official occasion”.
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