Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply overnight as the Israeli Air Force carried out a second wave of targeted airstrikes on Iran’s Isfahan nuclear facility, just hours after Tehran launched five ballistic missiles toward central Israel.
The strikes, confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), involved approximately 50 fighter jets targeting nuclear and military infrastructure, with specific emphasis on uranium enrichment and centrifuge production sites. According to an Israeli official speaking to AFP, “Isfahan we targeted in the first 24 hours of our operation, but we carried out a second wave of strikes there overnight, deepening our achievements and advancing the damage to the facility.”
Isfahan is a critical hub in Iran’s nuclear program, home to a uranium conversion facility and a nuclear fuel fabrication plant. Despite the extensive bombardment, Iranian state-affiliated Fars News Agency reported no hazardous material leakage.
Since the initial Israeli strikes on June 13, Iran has launched over 470 ballistic missiles and approximately 1,000 drones toward Israeli territory, according to the IDF. Overnight, the Israeli Air Force also intercepted 40 drones and destroyed several launchers preparing to target Israel. Guided by real-time intelligence from the IDF Intelligence Directorate, Israeli jets struck missile and dual-barrel UAV launchers positioned in the Isfahan region.
The situation remains highly volatile, with international observers expressing concern over the potential for broader regional conflict.
