Did Israel Really Launch Preemptive Strikes on Iran?

Synopsis
Tensions escalate as Israel conducts major airstrikes on Iran, prompting fears of wider conflict. This operation, confirmed by leaders, aims to tackle perceived threats to Israeli security. With Iran's military response looming, analysts are closely watching the unfolding situation.
Key Takeaways
- Israel's airstrikes mark a significant escalation in regional tensions.
- The operation aims to counter perceived threats from Iran’s nuclear program.
- Israeli leaders emphasize the necessity of the strikes for national security.
- Iran has threatened retaliation against Israeli military targets.
- National preparedness has been heightened in Israel.
Tehran, June 13 (NationPress) Israel has launched significant airstrikes against Iran during the early hours of Friday morning, marking a considerable escalation in regional tensions and stirring fears of a wider conflict between these long-time adversaries.
The military actions come in response to increasing worries surrounding Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and the perceived threat they pose to Israeli national security.
In a broadcast announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel had commenced a "targeted military operation aimed at mitigating the Iranian threat to Israel’s very existence."
“This operation will continue for as long as necessary to neutralize the threat of annihilation against us,” Netanyahu emphasized, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The operation was further endorsed by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who labeled it a "preemptive strike" intended to eliminate imminent dangers. In light of the increased threat, Katz also declared a special state of emergency across Israel to ensure national readiness and the safety of civilians.
Simultaneously, Iranian state media reported hearing loud explosions in various regions of the capital, Tehran, during the early morning hours.
IRIB, the state broadcaster of Iran, mentioned that the origin of the blasts had not yet been officially verified, although speculation is growing that the Israeli strikes may have targeted military installations or nuclear-related sites.
Earlier this week, Iran's primary security entity warned that its military would promptly target Israel's "secret nuclear facilities" if the Islamic Republic is subjected to military aggression, following claims of acquiring "sensitive Israeli intelligence."
The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) released this statement following comments from Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib, indicating that Iran had obtained a "significant cache" of Israeli documents through intelligence efforts.
According to the council, extensive intelligence operations have allowed Iran’s armed forces to pinpoint high-value Israeli targets for potential retaliatory actions, should Israel launch military offensives against Iranian interests.
Israel is commonly believed to possess nuclear capabilities, though it has never officially confirmed or denied this, adhering to a long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity.