The Ukrainian drone attack on Russia at the beginning of this month and the Israeli attack on Iran have some striking similarities.

1. Both attacks occurred during negotiations between the United States and the attacked nations (Russia and Iran) that had failed to come to fruition before deadlines set by Washington.

2. Both attacks relied heavily on major, covert intelligence operations.

3. The United States did not seem involved in either operation. However, in Israel’s case, the U.S. was informed in advance, approved the attack and even partly shaped it by prohibiting Israel from killing the leader of Iran. There is less clarity on what the U.S. knew of Ukrainian plans or how it influenced them, but it is unlikely that the U.S. didn’t know about the attack ahead of time.

4. Both attacks had two purposes. The first was the destruction of a strategic asset: long-range aircraft in Russia and nuclear infrastructure in Iran. The second was to create a profound sense of vulnerability in the enemy by using covert operatives deep within enemy territory, sowing uncertainty about the presence of additional covert teams.

5. In both cases, the only response to the attacks, at least at this point, was substantial drone strikes.

6. Neither attack was followed by a conventional military invasion.