JC Israel Briefing Day 616: Israel strikes Iran

The Israeli military said it launched the operation after intelligence showed Iran had begun assembling bomb components in fortified sites. “We began this operation because the time has come, we are at the point of no return,” said Zamir. “We cannot afford to wait for another time to operate, we have no other choice.” Israel claims the strikes were essential to halt a secret nuclear programme combining uranium enrichment, warhead design, and missile delivery systems.

More than 200 Israeli fighter jets struck over 100 targets. Damage was confirmed at nuclear facilities in Natanz, Khorramabad, and Khondab, as well as missile depots and command compounds. Iranian state media reported heavy losses at bases in Tabriz and Kermanshah and said smoke was seen rising from numerous strike zones.

President Herzog said the attack was forced on Israel by the scale of the threat. “Last night, Israel launched a targeted operation to neutralise an immediate and existential threat to our people,” he said. “Iran’s leaders have made no secret of their repeated intention to annihilate the State of Israel.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called the strikes “a crime” and vowed punishment. “By God’s will, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic’s armed forces will not let it go unpunished,” he said. He confirmed the deaths of commanders and scientists but vowed successors would continue their work.

Iran confirmed high-level casualties. The IDF said it eliminated Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces; and Gholamali Rashid, head of Iran’s emergency military command. Multiple sources said top regime adviser Ali Shamkhani was also killed. Iran named six nuclear scientists among the dead: Abdolrahim Minouchehr, Ahmadreza Zolfaghari, Seyed Amirhossein Faghihi, Matlabi-Zadeh, Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi.

Iranian retaliation is underway. More than 100 drones have been launched toward Israel. The Israeli Air Force has been shooting down incoming UAVs throughout the morning. Military analysts warn the picture is still unfolding and say further Iranian responses, including proxy involvement, are likely.

Inside Israel, schools and public events are suspended. Residents have been instructed to stay close to shelters. Emergency guidelines have been updated nationwide, and military presence has surged across civilian areas.

The Health Ministry and IDF Home Front Command have ordered all hospitals to relocate services to protected and underground facilities. The public has been asked to avoid hospitals unless urgently necessary. Clinics have cancelled non-essential treatments.

Ben-Gurion Airport has shut down operations. Airspace restrictions have been imposed across the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the campaign as necessary for survival. He said Iran aimed to build 20,000 long-range missiles and already had uranium stockpiles for nine bombs. “Never Again is now,” he said. “If we don’t act now, we simply won’t be here.” He stressed the offensive was directed not at Iran’s people but “the brutal dictatorship.”

Washington denied involvement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defence. Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”

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