Israel Says It Hit Weapons Research Center in Tehran
Israel’s military has confirmed it launched a large-scale overnight airstrike operation on Tehran, targeting facilities it claims are tied to Iran’s nuclear weapons program—marking the eighth straight day of escalating hostilities between the two nations.
In a statement released Friday, June 20, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck “dozens of high-value targets” within the Iranian capital, including missile manufacturing centers and the headquarters of Iran’s Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).
The SPND, Israel alleges, is at the heart of Iran’s secret nuclear weapons development efforts.
“The SPND facility plays a key role in advancing military-grade technologies and weapons used by the Iranian regime,” the IDF stated.
It added that more than 60 fighter jets participated in the coordinated strikes, hitting infrastructure essential to the production of missile components and the casting of solid-fuel rocket engines.
The military also reported intercepting four drones launched from Iranian territory and neutralizing three missile launchers that were allegedly positioned to strike Israel. The attacks were described as preemptive defensive measures.
This latest strike follows an earlier round of Israeli air raids launched a week ago, prompted by intelligence suggesting Iran was nearing weaponization of its nuclear program—an accusation Tehran firmly denies.
Iranian officials maintain that their nuclear activities are entirely for peaceful and civilian purposes.
The growing military exchange has raised alarm across the international community.
European foreign ministers are scheduled to meet with Iran’s top diplomat on Friday in an urgent effort to broker a ceasefire and avert further escalation.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing possible U.S. involvement, as pressure mounts for Washington to respond.
Cities across Israel—including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem—have been on high alert following recent missile attacks believed to have originated from Iranian-backed forces.
Sirens and explosions have been reported daily, deepening fears of a full-blown regional conflict.
With tensions spiraling and diplomatic channels under strain, global leaders are urging both sides to show restraint and return to negotiations, warning that continued aggression risks plunging the entire Middle East into a broader, more dangerous war.
Israel Says It Hit Weapons Research Center in Tehran