Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin disclosed the extent of damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs during recent military operations. Defrin stated that Israel was compelled to act, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. Israel had previously attempted to address Iran’s nuclear and missile development through diplomatic means. However, intelligence indicated that Iran had accumulated sufficient nuclear material for several bombs and was escalating missile production to expand its arsenal from 2,500 to 8,000 missiles within two years. The initial strike targeted numerous senior military officers, 11 nuclear scientists, and multiple development sites. Simultaneously, the Israel Air Force (IAF) struck aerial defense systems, including radar arrays and production centers, securing air superiority over western Iran within hours. The surprise nature of the offensive prevented a larger Iranian counterattack. The 12-day campaign primarily focused on dismantling Iran’s nuclear enrichment and missile development infrastructure. Strikes on the Fordow facility and Natanz, as well as the destruction of thousands of centrifuge production sites and other critical facilities, prevented Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon at that time. The elimination of 11 nuclear scientists significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The IDF also targeted over 30 missile production and launch facilities. The killing of over 30 senior Iranian military commanders helped deter retaliation. During the operations, over 50% of Iran’s launchers and hundreds of ballistic missiles were destroyed, along with over 80% of aerial defense systems. Iran launched over 530 missiles and 1,100 drones at Israel, with 99% of the drones intercepted. Defrin warned that the Iranian regime remains committed to destroying Israel, despite the success in curbing the threat.
