In early 2025, Israeli military intelligence reached a sobering conclusion: Iran was on the brink of achieving nuclear weapons capability and building a missile arsenal large enough to overwhelm Israel’s defenses. The regime in Tehran believed it could soon destroy Israel, having grown emboldened by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre and subsequent regional chaos.
Israeli leaders were told it was now or never. Waiting until late 2025 would be too late.
In coordination with the U.S., Israel launched a devastating surprise attack on June 13, 2025. The goal was not only to neutralize Iran’s nuclear program but also to cripple its growing missile capabilities and military command structure. Striking deep into Iranian territory, Israeli jets hit nuclear sites like Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan, eliminated top nuclear scientists, and destroyed hundreds of missile launchers and drones.
Israel’s success in achieving total surprise was due to months of deception, stealth planning, and tight operational secrecy. Even many Israeli military officials were unaware of the strike until it was underway.
Iran, caught off-guard, was unable to respond for 18 hours. When it did, it launched hundreds of missiles and drones—only 14% of which impacted Israeli targets thanks to U.S. and Israeli missile defense systems. Still, 28 Israelis were killed, thousands injured, and critical infrastructure—including hospitals and research facilities—was damaged.
Twelve days after the first strike, U.S. President Trump brokered a ceasefire. Israeli leaders, knowing prolonged war would risk civilian lives and erode military advantage, declared the mission accomplished: Iran’s nuclear program had been significantly set back, its missile force crippled, and Israel’s strategic position secured—for now.
But the war is not over. Israel’s leaders and military commanders remain vigilant, knowing Iran will regroup and rebuild. The existential struggle continues.
