F-35 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force, Photo: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy
At night, the Israeli Air Force conducted a massive air strike on key military and nuclear facilities in Iran. According to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), a nuclear reactor near the city of Arak and a nuclear weapons development centre near Natanz were targeted.
According to the Times of Israel, citing a military statement, 40 fighter jets were involved in the night operation, which dropped about 100 munitions on dozens of military targets in Tehran and other regions of Iran.
“A nuclear facility in Arak was struck, including the reactor containment vessel, a key component in the production of plutonium,” the IDF said.
תקיפות חיל האוויר הלילה באיראן: 40 מטוסי קרב תקפו עשרות מטרות צבאיות עם יותר מ-100 חימושים
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) June 19, 2025
צה״ל תקף כור גרעיני שאינו פעיל במרחב אראכ שבאיראן
40 מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר תקפו במהלך הלילה, בהכוונה מודיעינית מדויקת של אגף המודיעין, עם יותר מ-100 חימושים, עשרות מטרות צבאיות בטהראן… pic.twitter.com/llhYbkFXIF
Israeli forces also struck a facility in Natanz used to develop nuclear weapons. According to the military, unique components and equipment were stored on the territory, which can accelerate Iran’s nuclear weapons programme.
In addition, enterprises producing raw materials and components for ballistic missiles, Iranian air defence systems, missile depots and radars were attacked.
Video of the aftermath of the strikes has already appeared on social media and Israeli TV channels.
The attack was a response to Tehran’s recent statements about intensifying its nuclear programme and expanding its influence in the region.