Why Iran Targeted Kirya: The Strategic and Symbolic Motives Behind the Strike

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Friday, 13 June 2025, Israel launched a large-scale surprise airstrike inside Iran, targeting nuclear facilities. According to The Economic Times, 78 people were reported killed, including civilians and several high-ranking Iranian military officials such as the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, and Chief of Staff Mohammad Baqeri.

More than 320 people were injured in the attack. Israel described the strike as a "preventative" measure, while Iran condemned it as an unjustified act of war.

In response, Iran launched Operation True Promise III, firing a large barrage of missiles and drones at Israel. This was a direct retaliation for the Israeli airstrike on Iran's primary military and nuclear facilities.

Iran’s attack focused on the Kirya complex in downtown Tel Aviv. Known as Israel’s equivalent of the Pentagon, the Kirya serves as the headquarters for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Ministry of Defense, and other key military command and intelligence units.

What is Kirya?

Kirya, also referred to as HaKirya or "The Campus," has been the heart of Israel’s military operations since 1948. The complex houses the IDF General Staff, Camp Rabin, and crucial facilities such as the Marganit Tower and Matcal.

These serve as hubs for strategic planning, intelligence coordination, and operational command. Due to its role, Kirya is considered one of the most secure and vital sites for Israel’s national defense.

During the Iranian strike, at least one missile reportedly landed near the Marganit Tower, which functions as a key communications center within the complex. Although Israeli officials have not confirmed the scale of the damage, smoke was seen rising from the area, and Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst reported live that buildings in the Kirya complex had been hit.

No casualties were reported within Kirya itself. However, nearby civilian areas sustained damage, and at least five people were injured by shrapnel. In defense, the IDF activated several missile interception systems, including the Iron Dome and Arrow.

Despite these countermeasures, at least nine impact sites were reported across Israel. The attacks caused significant damage in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a battle for Israel’s survival and reaffirmed the country’s intent to pursue military action against what he called the Iranian threat.

Why Did Iran Target Kirya?

According to The New Arab, Iran’s decision to strike Kirya was both strategic and symbolic. The attack came only hours after Tehran accused Israel of violating its sovereignty.

Iran’s targeting of Kirya aimed to disrupt Israel’s military command and demonstrate its ability to reach critical defense infrastructure. The strike was designed to send a message both domestically and internationally that Iran would not remain passive in the face of Israeli aggression.

By hitting such a central military hub, Iran sought to display its capabilities and challenge the notion of Israeli deterrence. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Israel had initiated an open war, while Iranian state media framed the operation as proof that Israel’s military superiority had been compromised.

Broader Implications

The Israeli government now faces questions about its decision to escalate and the potential security failures that allowed Iranian missiles to strike sensitive sites. Israel’s initial airstrike was not launched in response to an immediate threat but was instead intended to degrade Iran’s strategic capabilities. This action sidestepped diplomatic engagement and directly triggered a major military retaliation.

As Israel vows further responses, international stakeholders including the United States and the European Union have urged restraint.

The attack on Kirya has unsettled public confidence in Israel’s defense systems and highlighted the dangers of direct military confrontation with Iran. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation in the region.

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