Israel presses on with Iran airstrikes
Israel's military operations against Iran are ongoing, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirming continued airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military infrastructure as part of "Operation Rising Lion," which began on June 13. This operation aims to significantly disrupt Iran's nuclear capabilities and military command structures.
The initial wave of strikes involved over 200 Israeli fighter jets targeting more than 100 sites across Iran, including the Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities, as well as military bases in Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Reports indicate that high-ranking Iranian officials, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri and IRGC commander Hossein Salami, were killed in these attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military campaign will continue "as long as necessary" to neutralize perceived threats from Iran, while international leaders are urging restraint to prevent further escalation.
Key targets of the Israeli strikes included the Natanz Nuclear Facility, which suffered significant damage, and the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, where the extent of damage remains uncertain due to its underground location. Other affected sites included the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center, the Arak Heavy Water Reactor, and various military bases in Tehran. The Sobashi radar site in Hamadan Province and an underground missile facility in Kermanshah were also destroyed. The Shahid Madani International Airport of Tabriz, also serving as an Iranian Air Force base, was damaged.
Despite the significant damage inflicted on Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, key underground facilities like Fordow remain operational, underscoring the challenges of fully neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities through airstrikes alone. The situation remains highly volatile, with Iran vowing retaliation and calls for de-escalation from the international community.
