Israeli Military Claims Strikes on Iran's Centrifuge and Weapons Manufacturing Sites

The Israeli military has claimed it conducted airstrikes targeting a centrifuge production facility and multiple weapons manufacturing sites in Iran, specifically in the Tehran area, to disrupt Iran's nuclear weapons development program. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), over 50 fighter jets carried out intelligence-based strikes overnight on June 18, 2025. The IDF stated that the centrifuge facility was designed to enhance Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities, potentially for nuclear weapons production.

Additionally, the strikes targeted sites producing raw materials and components for surface-to-surface missiles. These actions are part of a broader Israeli campaign, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion," which began on June 13, 2025, aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. Reports indicate significant damage to Iran's Natanz enrichment site, though the heavily fortified Fordo facility remains largely unaffected. Iran has not officially acknowledged these specific attacks, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no increase in radiation levels outside the targeted sites. However, the IAEA noted damage to Natanz's above-ground facilities and potential disruptions to its underground centrifuge halls due to power outages. The ongoing conflict, now in its sixth day, has heightened tensions, with Iran launching retaliatory missile strikes and the U.S. considering involvement, though no direct U.S. military support has been confirmed.