[orwin]

> What is the strategic benefit here of not attacking?

Twofold. First you deplete your enemy interceptor with smallish payload and older tech before really hitting them (basically what just happened last Monday). Second, you get to say 'i didn't start this, they did'.

Also, I think Iran have 'sleeper' cells in remote areas that don't phone home to get orders, but only get them through radio or publicly broadcasted message. Them striking at the right time, either behind enemy lines or at a very inconvenient time, from a very inconvenient place, would probably their best use. Maybe this is a 'prepare your weapons' message.