Israel has struck dozens of targets inside Iran, including nuclear sites and military installations
What Happened Overnight?
Israel launched a widespread attack on Iran targeting nuclear facilities, military commanders, and scientists. Israel claims it acted unilaterally because Tehran had begun constructing nuclear warheads. Israel reports that 200 fighter jets struck 100 targets.
A handout photo released by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards shows smoke billowing from a site in Tehran reportedly targeted by Israeli strikes. Photograph: Sepah News/AFP/Getty Images
What Sites Were Hit?
- Nuclear Facilities:
- The IAEA confirms Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz was hit. The extent of the damage is unclear, but online video footage suggests massive explosions. Natanz is partially above ground and houses centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
- A satellite image from January of the Natanz nuclear facility. Photograph: Maxar Technologies/Reuters
- The IAEA, quoting Iranian authorities, stated that Fordow, Isfahan, and the Bushehr nuclear power plant were not hit.
- Military Installations:
- Israel reports destroying dozens of radar installations and surface-to-air missile launchers.Sites in Tehran were hit, including the headquarters of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guards.
- People look at damage to buildings in Nobonyad Square following Israeli airstrikes in Tehran. Photograph: Majid Saeedi
Who Were the Targeted Generals and Scientists?
Iranians in Tehran hold posters of nuclear scientists and a Revolutionary Guards general killed in the Israeli airstrikes. Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA
Iranian state media reports the following deaths:
- Gen Hossein Salami:Â Head of the Revolutionary Guards
- Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri:Â Army Chief of Staff
- Maj Gen Gholamali Rashid:Â Commander of the Khatam al-Anbia joint forces headquarters
- Six nuclear scientists, including Fereydoun Abbasi (Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization from 2011 to 2013).
