Did IDF Target Iranian Nuclear Research HQ and Other Key Sites in Tehran?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian military facilities.
- The strikes aimed at disrupting Iran's nuclear weapons program.
- The operation is a response to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
- Israeli citizens were advised to follow defense protocols.
- The conflict sees potential implications for regional stability.
Tel Aviv, June 20 (NationPress) The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have confirmed that they executed a series of overnight airstrikes in Tehran, targeting multiple locations associated with Iran’s missile and nuclear weapons initiatives. Key targets included military manufacturing facilities for missile production as well as the headquarters of Iran's Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).
According to the IDF, "More than 60 fighter jets from the Air Force conducted attacks on numerous military sites in Iran overnight (Thursday), guided by precise intelligence from the Intelligence Branch and utilizing around 120 munitions. Several missile manufacturing facilities in the Tehran region were hit during the operation," as stated in a post on X.
"These facilities were developed over the years and served as the industrial backbone for the Iranian Ministry of Defense. Among the targets were installations for missile component production and sites for generating raw materials essential for casting rocket engines," the post elaborated.
The IDF also emphasized that the SPND headquarters was targeted as part of efforts to undermine the Iranian regime's nuclear weapons ambitions.
"The SPND headquarters is instrumental in researching and developing advanced military technologies for the Iranian regime, established in 2011 by Fakhri Zadeh, the architect of Iran's nuclear weapons program," the IDF explained.
Additionally, the Israeli military confirmed that a location producing a critical component for the Iranian regime's nuclear weapons initiative was also struck.
The IDF noted that during the operation, the Israeli Air Force intercepted four unmanned aerial vehicles that had been launched from Iran.
In the meantime, the IDF reported that it had detected missiles recently fired from Iran towards Israeli territory, marking the eighth day of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
The IDF issued a warning to Israeli citizens, stating, "Defensive systems are actively working to counter the threat. Citizens must seek shelter in protected areas upon receiving alerts and remain there until further instructions are provided. Exiting these areas will only be permitted after explicit guidance. Continued adherence to the Home Front Command’s directives is essential."
According to the Israeli military, alerts were triggered in several regions following the detection of missiles launched from Iran.
"The public is urged to comply with the Home Front Command's guidance. Currently, the Air Force is engaged in interception and offensive actions wherever necessary to neutralize the threat. It is crucial to follow the Home Front Command's instructions, as defenses are not infallible," the IDF highlighted in a post on X.
This latest round of conflict between the two nations commenced last Friday when Netanyahu declared the initiation of 'Operation Rising Lion', a military campaign aimed at countering the Iranian nuclear threat to Israel's survival. This declaration incited rapid and fierce retaliation from Tehran, heightening tensions in the region and edging it closer to a larger conflict.