BREAKING: Israel Launches Major Airstrike on Iran, Targets Nuclear Facilities

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale airstrike on Iran overnight between Thursday and Friday, in what Israeli officials are calling a preemptive operation aimed at neutralizing Iran’s advancing nuclear weapons program.

According to the IDF, "dozens of Air Force aircraft" participated in the opening strike of Operation “Am Kalavi”, targeting military infrastructure and nuclear facilities across various regions of Iran. Initial reports indicate significant damage to Iranian military command centers and nuclear-related assets.

Fars News Agency and Iran International confirmed explosions in Tehran, including damage to residential areas where high-ranking military and political figures reside.

Home Front Under Emergency Orders

As the operation commenced, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared a “special situation on the home front” throughout the country. The Home Front Command immediately activated emergency alerts and instructed citizens to remain in protected areas.

Starting at 3:00 a.m., all non-essential activities in Israel were suspended, including educational institutions, public gatherings, and most workplaces. Only essential services remain operational. Citizens have been advised to stay near shelters and avoid using stairwells for protection.

Missile and Drone Retaliation Expected

The IDF warned that a retaliatory missile and drone attack from Iran is expected imminently. "We are entering a phase of absorption,” an IDF spokesperson stated. “There will be heavy barrages from Iran and possibly from its proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria.”

Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is reportedly overseeing the operation from the IDF command center in the Kirya in Tel Aviv.

Strategic Objectives: Disrupt Iran’s Nuclear Threat

Military officials emphasize that the operation’s goal is not regime change in Tehran, but rather the elimination of the nuclear threat. “Iran has progressed significantly in recent months toward the capability to produce nuclear weapons,” said the IDF. “They are days away from assembling enough fissile material for up to 15 nuclear bombs.”

Israeli intelligence claims that Iran has been conducting secret experiments in nuclear weapons assembly and plans to triple its stockpile of ballistic missiles within the year—constituting what officials describe as an “existential threat” to Israel.

U.S. Involvement: Intelligence Sharing 

American media outlets, including ABC and CBS, reported growing tensions in the region over the past week. According to three sources cited by ABC, the Israeli government had been seriously considering military action in recent days. U.S. officials reportedly indicated that Washington may offer logistical support and intelligence sharing, but not direct military involvement.

Former President Donald Trump commented Thursday night, saying, "An Israeli attack could happen," while also noting that negotiations with Iran were “quite close” to reaching an agreement. “As long as I think there's a chance of an agreement, I don't want Israel to attack,” he added.

Next Phase: Prolonged Conflict Expected

The IDF is preparing for sustained warfare, potentially lasting days or even weeks, involving Iran and its regional proxies. Northern and Southern Commands are on high alert, with special attention on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi forces in Yemen, and pro-Iranian militias in Syria.

“This is a different kind of event,” the IDF concluded. “We are committed to protecting our civilians and will provide at least 10 minutes' warning ahead of incoming missile fire when possible. At the end of this campaign, there will be no nuclear threat from Iran.”