In a significant escalation of tensions, Israel's Air Force conducted extensive overnight strikes on military and nuclear-related sites in Tehran. Early Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that over 50 fighter jets carried out precision operations, guided by Israeli intelligence. Targets included facilities involved in producing both surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, as well as a complex dedicated to manufacturing centrifuges. The IDF stated that hitting the centrifuge complex was aimed at hindering Iran's "nuclear weapons development program," asserting that "The Iranian regime is enriching uranium intended for the purpose of developing nuclear weapons."
This latest offensive comes in response to a barrage of attacks from Iran that began last Friday. According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Iran has launched more than 400 missiles and hundreds of drones towards Israeli territory since then. These attacks have impacted 40 different locations across Israel, triggering air-raid sirens nationwide. The human cost in Israel has been severe, with 24 Israelis reported dead, over 800 wounded, and more than 3,800 residents forced to evacuate their homes. Furthermore, nearly 19,000 damage claims have been filed with Israel's Tax Authority.
Following Israel's overnight raids, Iranian forces continued their counterstrikes. On Tuesday evening, three separate waves of ballistic missiles were launched, targeting Israel's northern, southern, and central regions. The IDF successfully intercepted this latest volley over Haifa, the Galilee, and the Golan Heights, preventing any casualties or damage. Earlier on Tuesday, four civilians sustained minor injuries while rushing to shelters during strikes on Tel Aviv and central districts.
On the Iranian side, authorities have reported at least 224 deaths since the conflict erupted, highlighting the devastating human impact of the ongoing exchanges. Despite repeated calls from the international community for de-escalation, neither Jerusalem nor Tehran shows any signs of backing down, fueling concerns of a wider regional conflict.
