Israel strikes Iran's nuclear reactor in Arak and site in Natanz: Details
Photo: Israel attacked Iran with fighter jets (Getty Images)
On the night of Thursday, June 19, Israel launched airstrikes using fighter jets against dozens of military targets in Iran, including a strike on a nuclear reactor in Arak, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reports.
In particular, 40 Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out a large-scale air operation across Iranian territory. Airstrikes targeted dozens of military sites in Tehran and other regions of the country. More than 100 munitions were used in total.
Among the key targets was a non-operational nuclear reactor near the Iranian city of Arak. Israeli forces struck a critical component of the facility - the structure of the reactor's core seal, which is essential for the production of plutonium used in nuclear weapons.
According to the IDF, although the reactor was not completed, the Iranian regime deliberately kept it in a usable state to pressure the West. The strike was intended to eliminate any possibility of its use for military purposes.
Israeli aircraft also hit a facility in Natanz, where components and equipment related to nuclear weapons development were stored.
Furthermore, the strikes destroyed military factories producing parts for ballistic missiles, air defense systems, and radar equipment. The IDF also reported the destruction of storage sites for surface-to-surface missiles and the elimination of Iranian air defense systems.
What led up to this
On the night of June 13, Israel launched Operation codenamed Rising Lion, targeting Iranian military facilities, particularly those linked to its nuclear and missile programs.
In response, Iran launched attacks on Israeli territory.
In addition, yesterday US President Trump declared that he would not allow Iran to get nuclear weapons, saying it would have catastrophic consequences for the world.
Media reports suggest that Trump has already approved a plan for an attack on Iran, though he is holding off on executing it for now. The White House is reportedly waiting to see whether Tehran backs away from its nuclear ambitions.
At the same time, a source familiar with intelligence told ABC News that the US may carry out not one, but multiple strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
