The facts: Israeli strikes are ongoing in Iran, with one of the latest hitting a military airport. Israel’s chief military spokesman warned citizens that “we must brace for a lengthy operation.” (New York Times)
The attacks killed top military brass, including both Ayatollah Khameni’s second-in-command and the commander in chief of the Revolutionary Guards, as well as two top nuclear scientists. Some sources said that at least 20 high-ranking military commanders were killed. (New York Times, Reuters)
They also struck Iran’s top nuclear complex at Natanz; social media images showed the uranium enrichment facility engulfed in flames. Israel also claimed it struck an “underground command center,” saying Iranian officials had gathered there to “prepare for an attack on the state of Israel.” (CNN, AP)
Iran launched more than 100 drones at Israel in an initial retaliation. The IDF’s chief of staff said the military is “mobilizing tens of thousands of soldiers and preparing across all borders” and issued a warning to Israeli citizens, saying “the expected cost” of Iran’s expected counterattacks “will be different from what we are used to.” (CBS, Times of Israel)
Israel also shut its embassies across the world amid preparations for an Iranian backlash. (Reuters)
In order to execute the attack, which a security official said took years to plan, Israel established a covert drone base inside Iran and smuggled vehicles bearing weapons systems into the country. (Times of Israel)
The United States was aware of plans for the operation, and while officials in President Donald Trump’s administration quickly asserted that the U.S. had no involvement in the attack, Trump heralded the strikes this morning, saying “I think it’s been excellent.” He also said that “there’s more to come.” (ABC) | 