The IDF Spokesperson's Unit reported early Wednesday that more than 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence from the Military Intelligence Directorate, carried out a series of strikes overnight on military targets in the Tehran area.
“As part of the broader effort to damage Iran’s nuclear weapons program, a centrifuge production facility in Tehran was targeted. The facility was designed to help the regime expand the scope and speed of its uranium enrichment for nuclear weapons development,” the statement read. “It’s important to emphasize that civilian nuclear programs do not require enrichment at such levels.”
IDF strikes in Tehran
The IDF added that throughout the wave of attacks, multiple weapons production sites were also struck, including a facility producing raw materials and components for surface-to-surface missiles used by Iran against Israel. Additional targets included manufacturing sites for systems and components used in surface-to-air missiles designed to target aircraft.
Sirens sounded early Wednesday in several northern Israeli towns following reports of Iranian drone infiltrations. Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom said no injuries were reported so far.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei published a third tweet Wednesday overnight—in Hebrew—declaring: “Force must be used against the Zionist terrorist entity. We will not show leniency toward the Zionists.”
Iranian media reported early Wednesday that the Israeli Air Force struck the ballistic missile production facility in Khojir, near Tehran — a site previously targeted by Israel during its attack on the Islamic Republic last October.
The reports added that Israeli jets struck the Imam Hossein University in eastern Tehran, an institution affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
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The missile production site after and before the reported IDF strikes
(Photo: Reuters / Planet Labs Inc./Handout via REUTERS)
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be shut from Wednesday through Friday due to the security situation in the region and to comply with Israeli guidance, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday.
"Given the security situation and in compliance with Israel Home Front Command guidance, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18) through Friday (June 20). This includes the Consular Sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv," the State Department said on X.
Iranian media reported late Tuesday that air defense systems were activated in the northeastern city of Mashhad — the farthest target struck by the Israeli military in its current war with Iran, located some 2,300 kilometers from Israel.
Three days ago, the Israeli Air Force destroyed a mid-air refueling aircraft in the area. Additional reports indicate that explosions were also heard in the capital, Tehran. The IDF confirmed shortly after the reports that the Israeli Air Force was operating in the area.
At the same time, the military reported sirens were sounded in southern Israel following an Iranian drone infiltration in the area.
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit reported late Tuesday that Iran launched a second volley of missiles toward central Israel. The salvo comes minutes after the first one, which awoke millions of Israelis. Initial estimation said at least 10 munitions were launched toward the country.
Iranian media releases footage of missile fire toward Israel
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Cars catch fire after Iranian missile hit in central Israel
(Photo: Israel Fire and Rescue Authority)
The IDF's Home Front Command late Tuesday reported that Israelis can leave shelters following the barrage launched from Iran toward the country's central and northern regions.
Meanwhile, reports indicated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has concluded his talk with U.S. President Donald Trump over the phone amid the Iranian attacks.
Iranian missiles intercepted above central Israel
(Video: Kobi Koanx, Raanan Ben Zur, Miki Schmidt)
Air raid sirens sounded across central and northern Israel early Wednesday after approximately 15 missiles were launched from Iran, according to the IDF. Most of the missiles were intercepted by air defense systems.
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The IDF confirmed that the Israeli Air Force is actively working to intercept threats and strike as necessary. "At this time, the IAF is operating to eliminate the threat," the military said, while emphasizing that Israel’s defenses are not hermetic and urging the public to follow all Home Front Command instructions.
The Magen David Adom emergency service reported that there were no immediate reports of injuries from the latest attack. Emergency teams have been dispatched to areas where sirens were triggered to conduct searches and assess the situation. Further updates are expected.
First published: 00:45, 06.18.25