More than 50 Israeli fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence from the IDF Intelligence Directorate, conducted a powerful wave of airstrikes overnight targeting military facilities across Tehran and Natanz. These included factories for ground-to-ground and anti-air missile components, as well as a centrifuge production site tied to Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed further damage to enrichment facilities in Natanz.
According to the IDF, these strikes are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle Iran’s capacity to produce and distribute weapons to its regional proxies. One of the sites destroyed was a missile factory responsible for producing anti-tank rockets that were shipped to terror groups across the Middle East. The destruction of this facility marks a symbolic closure for the IDF, which has faced casualties from weapons produced there.
Despite the intensity of the campaign, Iran’s response overnight was limited. A few missiles were launched toward Israel, but none caused casualties. One vehicle in central Israel sustained minor shrapnel damage. The Navy’s INS Independence intercepted over 20 UAVs, and multiple Iranian drones were shot down across the Golan Heights.
Air Superiority Continues
In a rare statement, the IDF Spokesperson noted, “The Air Force is operating freely over Iran—this is unprecedented.” Dozens of aircraft struck over 40 additional targets in western Iran, including Emad missile launchers ready for deployment.
Later in the day, a third wave of strikes began in western Tehran, targeting launch sites for surface-to-surface missiles. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the headquarters of Iran’s Internal Security, its main apparatus of domestic repression, was also destroyed.
Prime Minister: ‘We Control the Skies Over Tehran’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: “On Day Six of Operation ‘Rising Lion’, we are acting with overwhelming force to neutralize the threats posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. We control the skies over Tehran. We are striking hard at the Ayatollah regime.”
He also reiterated Israel’s commitment to dismantling Hamas and securing the return of all hostages. Netanyahu thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his firm support: “I thank him for standing by us and defending Israel’s skies.”
American Involvement Imminent?
Senior Israeli officials believe U.S. military involvement is a matter of time. A third U.S. aircraft carrier is reportedly en route to the region, and the U.S. Embassy in Israel has begun facilitating the voluntary departure of American citizens.
The White House published the following statement yesterday (Tuesday) :”President Donald J. Trump has never wavered in his stance that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon — a pledge he has made repeatedly, both in office and on the campaign trail”.
Though telling the public no one knew what his next move would be, President Trump stated that “next week is going to be very big— maybe less than a week.”
Poll Shows American Public Support
A CNN poll found that a majority of Americans now support U.S. military involvement to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The war is ongoing, but Israel’s military initiative, air dominance, and homeland preparedness have shifted momentum. And according to senior officials, international support—especially from the U.S.—may soon translate into joint action.
Resilience at Home: Home Front Command Eases Restrictions
At 18:00, Home Front Command implemented significant easing of civilian protection measures. Most of the country moved from heightened alert to limited activity status. High-risk zones near the Gaza border and in the far north remain partially restricted.
Defense Minister Katz emphasized: “Alongside the military pressure on Iran, we are gradually reopening the economy and public life. This is a message of victory.”
Multifront Operations Ongoing
In addition to the Iranian front, the IDF continues to strike Hamas targets in Gaza and conduct counterterrorism raids in Judea and Samaria. Security forces arrested dozens of suspects and confiscated weapons and explosive materials across several villages.
The IDF in Samaria:
Meanwhile, IAF drone operations continue, despite an Iranian attempt to shoot down one UAV with surface-to-air missiles. The drone was downed in Iranian territory without injuries or data loss.
Strategic Impact
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir stated from Southern Command: “This is a defining campaign against an existential threat. Hitting Iran hits the whole axis—Yemen to Gaza. Iran arms and funds Hamas; what we do there reverberates here.”
