Israel struck several military facilities in Iran on Saturday, marking the latest exchange in the hostilities between the two longstanding adversaries in a conflict that has simmered for months. By hitting Iran's missile factories, Israel is likely hoping to blunt a potent weapon the Islamic republic has used against the country in recent months. There were also no reports of mass civilian casualties or damage to the Iran's economic infrastructure, which may provide a route for de-escalation between the two foes while earning Israel praise from its US backers. Experts also suggested that the Israeli attack aimed to showcase the country's ability to retaliate against Iran with a complex operation using precise firepower.