He noted that the operation was quite complex, but added that Israeli forces did not touch oil facilities, including Kharg Island, through which Iran exports around 250 million barrels of oil to China. According to Elam, this amount represents approximately 10% of China’s needs, and the absence of an attack on these facilities has implications for both Iran and the global economy.
Regarding the strategic objectives of the attack, Elam clarified that, contrary to the belief that the nuclear facilities were not damaged, the attack was carried out against the Parchin facilities, a military zone where Iran is conducting important experiments related to the creation of nuclear weapons.
He recalled that Mossad received information about this facility back in 2018 after receiving an Iranian file. According to him, the photographs show destruction and claims that the nuclear facilities were not damaged are not entirely true.
Elam also commented on the current state of Iran, noting that the country is in its most vulnerable situation since the end of the Iran-Iraq war in 1988. He added that Iran lacks a developed missile defense system and protective shelters, as well like Arrow missiles.
Elam noted that the latest attacks against Israel in April and October failed, and that after yesterday’s attack, Iran is beginning to realize its consequences, which were worse than expected. According to Elam, Iran still does not know how to respond.
Speaking about possible options for an Iranian response, Elam expressed the view that Iran has few options left:
“Its main ally, Hezbollah, is practically neutralized and its capabilities are limited. The Yemeni ally also faces effective protection from the United States.”
Previously, Kursor reported that the Iranian president spoke about the response to the Israeli attack.
