The Prime Minister of Israel, said on Sunday (15) that the Israeli army destroyed the main installation of uranium enrichment, located in Natanz. According to Netanyahu, the action aimed to prevent the advance of the Iranian nuclear program, which he classified as a global threat. The attack would also have killed Iranian intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA) confirmed on Friday that it departs from the installation in Natanz, considered strategic for the Iranian nuclear program, was indeed damaged by Israeli bombings. Israel also claimed to have dismantled a uranium conversion plant into Isfahan.
The new phase of the confrontation between the two countries began on Friday (13), with a large-scale air offensive by Israel. This is the most intense episode of direct conflict between the two countries after decades of indirect hostilities. Since then, Israel has launched attacks on strategic targets in Iranian territory, including military facilities, fuel deposits, research centers and even the Ministry of Defense. This Sunday, an Iranian refueling plane was destroyed at Mashhad airport in the east of the country.
The Iranian government confirmed at least 128 dead and about 900 injuries in the attacks, including women and children, according to the newspaper Vigorousciting the Ministry of Health. In Tehran, explosions reached areas near the Ministry of Communications and a residential building, where, according to state TV, five people died. Mosques, schools and subway stations were designated as shelters for the population.
In response, Iran launched missiles against Israeli cities, sounding alert sirens in Jerusalem and other regions. In Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, several residential buildings were hit, leaving at least 13 dead and more than 380 injured since the start of the confrontation, according to local authorities. Civilians reported moments of panic and destruction. “There is nothing left, there is no house, it is over,” said a resident of the city.
The Israeli army stated that most Iranian missiles and drones were intercepted with the help of the United States. Still, Netanyahu promised to retaliate hard. “Iran will pay a high price for the premeditated murder of civilians, women and children,” he said on a visit to the city. Among the casualties confirmed by Iran are high-ranking figures, such as Revolutionary Guard Commander Hosein Salami, Army Chief of Staff Mohamed Baqeri, and nine scientists linked to the nuclear program.
Iran accuses Israel of trying to make indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States unfeasible, resumed in April. Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi Abbas said he had “solid evidence” that US forces and bases participated in the attacks. US President Donald Trump, on the other hand, stated on Sunday that his country “is not involved at this time,” but admitted that a direct participation “is possible” if the climb continues.
According to local press, there is a strong movement of residents leaving Tehran, with increased traffic on the city’s exits. Israel has warned civilians to leave areas close to military facilities in Iran, indicating the possibility of new offensive in the coming days.
