Israeli Airstrike Hits Iranian Military Bases, Damages Facilities Tied to Nuclear and Ballistic Missile Programs

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — An Israeli airstrike on Iran damaged facilities at two secretive military bases, including one linked to Tehran's former nuclear weapons program and another tied to its ballistic missile program, satellite images analyzed Sunday reveal.

The strike targeted the Parchin military base, southeast of Tehran, where the International Atomic Energy Agency suspects Iran conducted high explosive tests for nuclear weapons. Damage was also seen at the nearby Khojir military base, believed to house an underground tunnel system and missile production sites.

Iran's military has not acknowledged damage, but Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the attack "should not be exaggerated nor downplayed." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes "severely harmed" Iran and achieved all goals.

Satellite images show destroyed and damaged buildings at both bases, including the "Taleghan 2" structure at Parchin, suspected of housing equipment for nuclear explosive tests. Analysts say the damage could disrupt Iran's ballistic missile production.

The Israeli military said it targeted missile manufacturing facilities used to produce missiles fired at Israel. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, overseeing the ballistic missile program, has remained silent.

IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi confirmed Iran's nuclear facilities were not impacted. Inspectors continue their work, and he called for prudence and restraint.

The attack marks the latest escalation between Israel and Iran, with tensions simmering over Tehran's nuclear program and ballistic missile arsenal.