Israel's airstrike on Iran on October 26 targeted key missile production facilities and air defense systems, significantly degrading Tehran's military capabilities and leaving it more vulnerable to future attacks. The strikes were calculated to avoid escalation with Gulf Arab states, focusing on Iran's missile infrastructure rather than high-stakes targets like nuclear facilities. Satellite imagery confirms substantial damage to Iranian sites, including the Parchin military complex and S-300 defenses, despite Iran downplaying the attack's effect. Analysts indicate that Israel aimed to hinder Iran's ability to launch long-range missile attacks, especially after Iran's major missile strike on Israel earlier in October. Former U.S. officials noted that the operational debate in Iran has shifted towards how to defend against potential Israeli retaliatory strikes. Overall, Israel's actions have significantly altered the regional security dynamics, making Iran more exposed than in recent years.