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Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed early Wednesday that it had carried out a major overnight airstrike targeting approximately 20 key facilities in the Tehran area.
The unprecedented operation involved more than 50 Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets and was guided by intelligence provided by the IDF Intelligence Directorate.
The IDF said the targets included a centrifuge production facility and multiple weapons manufacturing sites, many of which were directly involved in the production of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems. The military stated that these components had previously been used in Iranian missile attacks against Israel.
“This operation is part of a wider campaign to degrade Iran’s capacity to manufacture and deploy advanced weaponry, including components for nuclear weapons development,” the IDF said in a statement.
It noted that the facility producing centrifuges was specifically chosen because such technology, while claimed to support civilian nuclear programs, was being used to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels—far beyond the needs of civilian use.
Analysts noted a strategic shift in Israel’s focus. While it has consistently targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Wednesday’s strikes emphasized ballistic missile production sites, reflecting what some defense officials described as an evolving and more immediate threat.
“This is a turning point,” said a senior Israeli security analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The IDF seems to be prioritizing assets that pose a direct and near-term danger to Israeli territory, such as ballistic missiles, over longer-term threats like uranium enrichment facilities.”
One of the notable aspects of the operation was the scale of deployment: more aircraft than targets. This, experts suggest, could signal either increased caution and precision or the diminishing number of high-value Iranian targets remaining above ground.
“This is the first time that more aircraft were used than targets,” the IDF noted, implying a tactical decision to ensure the complete destruction of each site.
Ahead of the strikes, the IDF took the rare step of issuing a warning in Farsi to residents of Tehran, specifically those in District 18. “Dear citizens, for your safety and health, we ask that you immediately leave the designated area in District 18 of Tehran,” read a post by the IDF’s Farsi-language spokesperson on X (formerly Twitter).
This evacuation warning followed a barrage of approximately 30 missiles launched from Iran towards Israel. No fatalities or direct injuries from those missiles have been reported.
However, Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), said it had treated several individuals who were injured while rushing to protective shelters.
The IDF has not ruled out further operations and reaffirmed its intention to “intercept and dismantle Iran’s offensive capabilities before they can be used.”
Iranian state media has yet to issue a full response, although local reports confirmed explosions in western Tehran and increased activity at military sites.
The international community is closely watching the situation, fearing a broader conflict. Diplomats are urging restraint on both sides, but with tensions soaring and missiles in the sky, prospects for de-escalation remain uncertain.