Today, Israel has started a large scale ground invasion. They’re hitting all three of Iran’s declared nuclear facilities as well as a dozen military installations in and around Tehran. This wave of strikes, starting early Thursday morning U.S. time, represents a significant new step in the rapidly escalating sordid tensions between the two nations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) admitted to directly targeting and claiming the lives of people they perceive as threats. Together, their operation has targeted Iran’s nuclear ambitions and missile capabilities.
The strikes made precision strikes on facilities at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, which are all connected to Iran’s developing nuclear program. Israel hit Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, about 250km (155 miles) southwest of Tehran. Iran’s state-run news agency IRIB said that two of the projectiles targeted the Arak facility. This attack, life changing for many involved, was perpetrated at approximately 6am local time.
Israel’s national emergency service, Magen David Adom (MDA), confirmed injuries from the strikes. At least 65 people in Iran died as a direct consequence. A 60-year-old woman is one of those injured, the increasing human cost of this horrific military action. In retaliation to the sudden attacks, the IDF set off incoming missile sirens all over Israel after detecting missiles being shot from Iranian land.
In a precautionary measure, Israel issued an evacuation warning to residents near the Arak facility, stating, “Your presence in this area puts your life at risk.” This alarming warning is a testament to the seriousness of the current situation and the possibility of continued escalation in military action.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has personally thanked U.S. President Donald Trump. He is grateful for Trump’s support in Israel’s day-to-day battle against Iran. Netanyahu highlighted the need to curb Iran’s ability to create nuclear arms. In his speech, he called for the destruction of Iran’s capacity to produce ballistic missiles.
“They cannot have the weapons that can destroy Israel, which they claim and which they want to do every day,” – Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.
The IDF has assessed that these latest strikes have significantly degraded Iran’s capability to launch large-scale missile barrages toward Israel. Besides military infrastructure, Israel’s overnight raids included Iran’s national police headquarters.
Israeli leaders have signaled that their military operations are far from finished.
“If we have to pursue this and prosecute this by ourselves, we’re going to know what to do. We’re not going to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” – Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.
Leiter emphasized that operations to come could be “several strikes.” He further hinted at potential “surprises,” all of which demonstrated a deep willingness for continued military involvement as necessary.
Iran’s response has been unyielding, with Iranian officials claiming that any such U.S. military attack would lead to retaliation against U.S. troops. Majid Takht Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, stated, “If the Americans decide to get involved militarily, we have no choice but to retaliate wherever we find the targets necessary to be acted upon.”
Even as tensions continued to escalate, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran still believes in the power of diplomacy. As the military operations continue to escalate, they indicate a widening chasm that is making diplomatic efforts more difficult.
The story is still developing while Israel stands strong in its fight against Iranian encroachment. Israel’s commercial capital, Tel Aviv, remains on high alert. As air raid sirens wail with terrifying regularity, residents once again prepare themselves for the likelihood of even more deadly attacks.
“As President Trump said himself today, all options remain on the table,” – White House official
Israeli leaders are asking the international community to recognize the real and present danger posed by Iran’s nuclear aspirations. They are convinced that this acknowledgment is key to global security. As Sharren Haskel, Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said recently, the world must show the same global solidarity against Tehran’s aggression.
“The world must speak out,” – Sharren Haskel
As is often the case in moments such as these, this is a high-stakes game. As Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, recently wrote about the values that are endangered in these kinds of wars.
“In moments like these, we are reminded of what’s truly at stake, and the values we are defending,” – Isaac Herzog, President of Israel
Analysts and government officials on both sides are watching this chess game carefully. They are looking for more to happen in what is rapidly becoming one of the region’s most tense standoffs in recent memory.
