Israel Strikes Iranian Sites Near Suspected Nuclear Facilities, Reports Say
Reports have surfaced indicating that Israel launched airstrikes targeting multiple Iranian sites, including areas near suspected locations of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Israel’s Army Radio disclosed early Friday morning local time that ABC News had identified Israeli strikes near the town of Isfahan, Iran, as well as in regions within Syria and Iraq. The Times of Israel further detailed:
According to Iran’s Fars news agency, explosions were heard near the airport in Isfahan, central Iran. However, the cause of these explosions remains unknown, with investigations ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Isfahan province hosts several Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz, which serves as a focal point for Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts.
Speculation circulated on social media suggesting that the targets in Syria and Iraq might be associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the external terrorist arm of the Iranian military.
The Israeli strikes are believed to be in response to a significant missile and drone assault launched by Iran against Israel over the preceding weekend. Despite interception by Israeli and allied air defenses, this marked the first direct attack by Iran against Israel from Iranian territory.
Israel had previously issued warnings that any attack originating from Iran would prompt retaliatory strikes within Iranian borders.
For years, Israel has contemplated the possibility of targeting Iran’s nuclear program, regardless of support from the United States.
Assessments indicate that the Iranian regime lacks substantial air defense capabilities. Dr. Shay Har-Zvi of the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS) at Reichman University, speaking to Breitbart News, noted that Iran’s air defenses, supplied primarily by Russia, have yet to incorporate the latest generation systems like the S-400. He suggested that Israeli actions might be motivated by concerns over potential Russian-Iranian collaboration, which could lead to the deployment of advanced air defense systems by Iran. However, he also emphasized Russia’s reluctance to directly engage in a confrontation between Iran and Israel.