The Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched a series of airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory overnight on Wednesday, targeting nuclear infrastructure, missile production sites, and air defence systems.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), a total of 40 fighter aircraft were deployed in the operation.
These aircraft dropped more than 100 precision-guided munitions on scores of Iranian facilities, including the Arak heavy water reactor and a facility associated with nuclear weapons development near Natanz.
Strikes were also reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Kermanshah.
The reactor strike specifically targeted the core seal structure—a key element in plutonium production, said the Israel Defense Forces.
According to IDF spokesman, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, hundreds of anti-tank missiles manufactured by Iran were transferred to Hezbollah in Lebanon in recent years.
Hezbollah launched hundreds of anti-tank missiles at Israel during the war, killing and wounding numerous soldiers and civilians.
What you need to know about Arak nuclear reactor.
Construction of the Arak nuclear reactor started in 1997 but was halted due to international pressure.
Originally designed to produce weapons-grade plutonium, Iran later agreed to convert it for the production of low-grade plutonium unsuitable for nuclear weapons.
However, the regime reportedly chose not to complete the conversion—retaining the reactor’s potential for producing weapons.
The IAF raid aimed to destroy components essential for plutonium production, thereby preventing the reactor’s use for nuclear weapons development, the military said.
