The Israeli government announced a significant military operation involving dozens of fighter jets targeting Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities, ballistic missile sites, and key military leaders. The operation, reportedly coordinated with Mossad intelligence, included sabotage actions aimed at disrupting Iranian air defense systems. Iranian state media confirmed casualties among high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists, specifically mentioning the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, among the fatalities.
Over the past year, Israel has demonstrated an ability to carry out strikes in Iran with minimal risk, successfully targeting senior figures and important air defense systems without losing aircraft. Notably, Israeli strikes in October 2023 and April 2024 impacted critical S-300 air defense networks and equipment for solid fuel ballistic missile production. According to Michael Knights from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Iran’s air defenses have been significantly weakened, making it challenging for the country to rapidly improve its capabilities against Israeli operations.
Knights emphasized that Iran’s vast territory and numerous targets complicate its defense against a highly advanced military force like Israel. However, military experts and officials from both the U.S. and Israel noted that while Israel could inflict substantial damage on Iran’s nuclear program, it lacks the heavy bombs and aircraft necessary for effective strikes against Iran’s deeply buried nuclear sites. The situation highlights the ongoing complexities and challenges in the region regarding military capabilities and national security policies.
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