On June 18, 2025, the Israeli Air Force carried out a large-scale operation in Tehran, striking 20 military and strategic sites in the Iranian capital. This was reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesmanship Service, specifying that the targets of the attacks were weapons production facilities, uranium enrichment centrifuges, and research centers related to Iran's nuclear program. According to the Israeli military, these facilities played a key role in Tehran's efforts to accelerate the enrichment of uranium to weapons-grade levels, which threatens regional and global security. The operation was part of the third wave of strikes in a day, which was previously announced by Brigadier General Efi Defrin, emphasizing Israel's determination to undermine Iran's nuclear potential.

The conflict between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13 with attacks on nuclear facilities in Natanz and Karaj, has reached a new level of escalation. According to the Iranian Ministry of Health, the death toll from Israeli strikes has exceeded 600 people, including soldiers and civilians. In response, Iran launched massive missile strikes on Israel, firing more than 1000 missiles and drones, according to Reuters, some of which penetrated Israeli air defenses, causing damage to cities including Tel Aviv. The strikes on Tehran, the Iranian capital, underscore Israel’s determination to inflict maximum damage on its adversary’s military and nuclear infrastructure, despite the risks of further escalation.

According to The Times of Israel, the attacks on Tehran were carefully planned, using precision-guided munitions to minimize civilian casualties. The targets included factories producing components for ballistic missiles and research centers involved in developing nuclear technology. The IDF claims the sites were part of a program aimed at creating nuclear weapons, although the IAEA has previously said there was no direct evidence of such intent. According to Al Jazeera, the strikes caused power outages in Tehran, and locals reported damage to industrial areas of the city.

The escalation comes amid a diplomatic crisis. The United States, which backs Israel, has sent a third aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, to the region, signaling its readiness to apply force to Iran. According to Bloomberg, Washington is considering supplying Israel with bunker bombs to attack hardened sites like Fordow, although internal divisions in the Trump administration are slowing the decision. Iran, for its part, has restricted internet access and imposed fuel rationing to stabilize the situation at home, Tasnim reports. Domestic protests in Iran, fueled by an economic crisis and military losses, are intensifying, putting additional pressure on the country's leadership.