Why Israel is striking Iranian missile launch pads in phases, not all at once

New Delhi: As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, military analysts have noted that Israeli strikes on suspected Iranian missile launch sites are being carried out in phases rather than as a single, massive operation. The approach raises questions about Israel’s evolving military strategy in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

Experts point to a range of strategic, operational, and diplomatic considerations that inform this approach.

✈️ The IAF continues its mission to maintain aerial superiority in Iranian airspace.

Fighter jets struck several Iranian missile systems and radar installations in the areas of Isfahan and Tehran, which were intended to target IDF aircraft and disrupt their operations.

This… pic.twitter.com/bbo9njUgDC

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 20, 2025

Intelligence and targeting constraints

First, not all Iranian missile sites are static or easily identified. Many are mobile, hidden underground, or camouflaged, making them difficult to target in a single wave. A phased approach allows Israel to act on real-time intelligence, recalibrating its operations as new information surfaces about site locations and movements.

Managing escalation risks

Launching an all-out attack on multiple targets simultaneously could trigger a dramatic escalation, potentially leading to all-out war in the region. By limiting strikes to smaller, targeted operations, Israel is able to calibrate its response, send measured signals, and leave space for diplomatic maneuvering.

Operational capabilities and readiness

Military resources—including aircraft, drones, and precision munitions—are limited. Attempting to strike all sites in one go could strain logistics and increase the risk of operational failures. Phased strikes ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively.

Adapting to adversary responses

Phased strikes also offer the opportunity to observe Iranian responses. Each operation provides valuable data on how Iranian air defenses activate, how quickly sites are relocated, and how command structures react. This information is then used to plan subsequent attacks for greater impact.

International and diplomatic optics

Gradual escalation enables Israel to better manage international scrutiny and justify its actions to global audiences. Smaller-scale operations are easier to explain and less likely to draw swift condemnation or force the hand of major world powers.

Psychological impact

Finally, uncertainty is a weapon of its own. By keeping Iran off-balance and guessing about the timing and scale of the next strike, Israel wields psychological pressure that can disrupt Iranian military planning.

Israel’s phased approach to attacking Iranian missile infrastructure reflects the complexities of modern warfare, where intelligence, diplomacy, and psychological operations play as significant a role as raw military firepower. As the conflict unfolds, experts say this pattern is likely to continue, balancing military objectives with the risks of regional escalation.

(This article has been perceived from Israeli perspective)