Israel has initiated a “precise, preemptive strike” on Iranian territory, specifically targeting its nuclear infrastructure, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin. The operation was launched early Friday in response to Iran’s alleged continued hostility towards Israel and its advancing nuclear ambitions.
“For years, the Iranian regime has called for the destruction of the State of Israel, planning and advancing concrete military plans to do so. Over the past few months, intelligence has shown that Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. This morning, the IDF began pre-emptive and precise strikes targeting the Iranian nuclear program in order to prevent the Iranian regime’s ability to build a nuclear bomb in the immediate timeframe,” Defrin stated.
He emphasized that these actions were essential to safeguarding Israel’s national security and ensuring its future existence.
“We have no choice. We are operating against an imminent and existential threat. We cannot allow the Iranian regime to obtain a nuclear weapon that would be a danger to Israel and the entire world. This operation is for our right to exist here, for our future and for our children’s future. The State of Israel has the right and the obligation to operate in order to protect its people and will continue to do so,” he added.
Defrin assured that Israel is prepared to counter any retaliation, highlighting their readiness for both offensive and defensive operations.
“The IDF conducted significant preparations for this operation. We are well prepared both in defence and offense to defend ourselves. The IDF will continue to defend the State of Israel,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reported that several explosions were heard in Natanz city, located in Iran’s central province of Isfahan—a key site for Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
“Loud explosions were heard in Natanz,” according to Iranian state TV, quoted by The Times of Israel. Natanz is home to one of Iran’s principal nuclear facilities.
Iran possesses two main underground nuclear sites—Fordo and Natanz—and has been reinforcing these with tunnel systems in the mountains near Natanz following suspected Israeli sabotage incidents in the past.
The Natanz complex includes the massive underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and the above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP), critical to Iran’s nuclear capabilities, according to The Times of Israel.