Attack on Iran next to nuclear site sends message: We could have done worse here - analysis

Sources have confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that the attack on Iran at Isfahan, attributed by sources in the New York Times to Israel, hit Iranian air force assets at Isfahan, almost right next door to the Islamic Republic's nuclear site in the same area.

The message was unmistakable, 'we chose not to hit your nuclear sites this time, but we could have done worse right here,' sources told the Post.

Israel sends a clear message to Iran

In other words, the attack at Isfahan was designed not only to hurt Iran but also to make it eminently clear how vulnerable to attack its nuclear sites are.

Long-range missiles from aircraft were used to avoid Tehran's radar detection capabilities.

This could be done again at any time.

Read more on the attack in Iran

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At the same time, by not attacking the actual nuclear site at Isfahan or other nuclear sites at Natanz and Fordow, the attacker signaled to Iran that it was not seeking a spiraling and escalating regional war.

A nuanced attack 

This was a very nuanced middle-of-the-road attack, designed to threaten optimally for the future but also reduce the likelihood of another Iranian counter-strike following the Islamic Republic's launching around 350 aerial threats at the Jewish state last weekend. 

Whether it will work, both stopping Iran from moving forward with its nuclear program and deterring it from copying its strike on Israel last weekend while also avoiding an escalation into a larger war, will remain to be seen in the coming days and weeks.