Israel bombarded hundreds of targets across Iran on Sunday—cratering military leadership, government buildings, nuclear infrastructure, and energy facilities—as its Air Force carried out a pre‑dawn offensive meant to cripple the Islamic Republic regime. Israel also struck Tehran’s foreign ministry compound, defense headquarters, weapons depots, and fuel depots feeding both military and commercial oil sectors. As the expanded operation continues, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged both sides to pursue a peaceful way forward but signaled the possible entry of the U.S. on the side of Israel if Iran continues to refuse to talk.
President Trump acknowledged a possible entry of the U.S. into the conflict, tweeting Sunday that “Iran and Israel should make a deal…and will make a deal.” He urged both sides toward peace while endorsing Israel’s actions. “It’s possible” the U.S. will enter the conflict if necessary, the President said.
The operation reportedly destroyed more than 250 strategic targets, including Iran’s “nuclear command center.” According to IDF spokesman Effie Defrin, Israel successfully “deepened the damage to the nuclear program and to military capabilities, in order to disrupt and reduce the threat to the Israeli home front.”,
Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized strategic goals beyond nuclear deterrence. “They certainly don’t have the people. Eighty percent of the people would throw these theological thugs out,” he told Fox News’s Bret Baier, suggesting Israel may be edging toward regime change.
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, described the blows as “strategic decapitation,” noting Israel eliminated “the entire top tier of Iran’s military command,” including Maj. Gens. Bagheri, Rashid, Salami, Hajizadeh, Qaani, and adviser Shamkhani.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes that killed at least 10 Israelis and injured dozens. Tehran launched about 60 surface-to-surface missiles and drones targeting civilian areas—massively crossing the military–civilian boundary.
IDF Chief Eyal Zamir framed Israel’s campaign as one of enduring resolve: “Our actions speak louder than words: ‘Like a lion, the people rise.’”
