The evaluation, which forms part of the Trump administration's continuing efforts to assess Iran's nuclear program status following the facility strikes, was presented to certain US legislators, Defense Department personnel and allied nations in recent days, four of those sources confirmed to NBC News.

NBC News has also discovered that US Central Command had formulated a far more extensive plan to attack Iran that would have involved targeting three additional locations in an operation spanning several weeks rather than a single evening, according to one current US official and two former US officials.

President Donald Trump received briefings on that comprehensive plan, but it was ultimately rejected because it conflicted with his foreign policy instincts to withdraw the United States from international conflicts rather than deepen involvement, along with the potential for significant casualties on both sides, one current official and one former official explained to NBC News.

"We were willing to go all the way in our options, but the president did not want to," one source with knowledge of the plan stated.

In remarks delivered in the hours following the strikes, Trump characterized the attacks he authorized as "a spectacular military success" and declared, "Iran's key enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated."

The actual situation as determined through intelligence gathering appears more complex. Should the preliminary findings regarding the damage inflicted on Iran's nuclear program prove accurate as additional intelligence emerges, the United States might find itself returning to conflict in the region.

Discussions have taken place within both American and Israeli governments regarding whether additional strikes on the two less-damaged facilities might be required if Iran fails to agree soon to restart negotiations with the Trump administration on a nuclear agreement or if signs emerge that Iran is attempting to rebuild at those locations, one current official and one former official told NBC News. Iran has consistently maintained its nuclear program serves purely peaceful, civilian purposes.

The recent assessment represents a current snapshot of the damage US strikes caused amid an intelligence-collection process that administration officials have indicated will continue for months. Evaluations of Iran's nuclear program following the US strikes are anticipated to evolve over time, and according to two current officials, as the process advances, the findings suggest greater damage than previous assessments indicated. That assessment remains the current understanding of the strikes' impact, officials confirmed to NBC News.

"As the President has said and experts have verified, Operation Midnight Hammer totally obliterated Iran's nuclear capabilities," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told NBC News in a statement. "America and the world are safer, thanks to his decisive action."

In his own statement, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell declared to NBC News: "The credibility of the Fake News Media is similar to that of the current state of the Iranian nuclear facilities: destroyed, in the dirt, and will take years to recover. President Trump was clear and the American people understand: Iran's nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz were completely and totally obliterated. There is no doubt about that."

He added, "Operation Midnight Hammer was a significant blow to Iran's nuclear capabilities thanks to the decisive action of President Trump and the bravery of every man and woman in uniform who supported this mission."

Destruction and deterrence

The US strikes targeted three enrichment facilities in Iran: Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. US officials believe the assault on Fordo, which has long been considered a critical element of Iran's nuclear ambitions, succeeded in setting back Iranian enrichment capabilities at that location by as much as two years, according to two current officials who spoke to NBC News.

Much of the administration's public communications about the strikes has concentrated on Fordo. In a Pentagon briefing conducted in response to reporting on an initial Defense Intelligence Agency assessment that concluded Iran's nuclear program had been delayed by only three to six months, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke extensively about the Fordo strike but not the attacks at Natanz and Isfahan.

US officials knew prior to the airstrikes that Iran possessed structures and enriched uranium at Natanz and Isfahan that were likely beyond the reach of even America's 30,000-pound (13,600-kilogram) GBU-57 "bunker buster" bombs, three sources told NBC News. Those bombs, which had never been deployed in combat before the strikes, were designed specifically with the deeply buried facilities carved into mountain sides at Fordo in mind.

As early as 2023, however, indications emerged that Iran was constructing tunnels at Natanz that extended below where the GBU-57 could penetrate. Deep underground tunnels also exist at Isfahan. The United States struck surface targets at Isfahan with Tomahawk missiles and did not deploy GBU-57s there, but utilized them at Natanz.

White House officials directed NBC News to a closed-door briefing conducted in late June by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who informed lawmakers that Iran's nuclear program was "severely damaged" and that several key nuclear facilities were "completely destroyed," according to an administration official's description of the briefing provided to NBC News. Ratcliffe stated the only metal conversion facility at Natanz, required for nuclear enrichment, was destroyed to the point that it would take "years to rebuild," according to a White House official authorized to describe portions of the classified briefing.

Ratcliffe also indicated that the intelligence community believes the strikes buried the vast majority of enriched uranium at Isfahan and Fordo and that therefore it would be extremely difficult for the Iranians to extract it to resume enrichment, according to the official who spoke to NBC News. The United States has not observed indications that Iran is attempting to excavate the facilities, two officials confirmed.

As NBC News has reported, the Israeli government believes at least some of Iran's highly enriched uranium remains intact but buried beneath the Isfahan facility, according to a senior Israeli government official who briefed reporters in Washington last week. The official stated, however, that Israel considers the material effectively unreachable, because it is monitoring and will conduct new strikes if it believes Iran is attempting to dig up the uranium. The official also indicated Israel believes Iran's nuclear program has been set back by up to two years.

Similarly, even if the targeted Iranian nuclear sites were not completely destroyed, US officials and Republican supporters of the operation consider it successful because it has altered the strategic equation for Iran. From their perspective, the regime in Tehran now faces a credible threat of additional airstrikes if Israel and the United States believe it is attempting to revive clandestine nuclear work.

Asked late last month whether he would consider bombing Iran again if intelligence reports concluded Iran can enrich uranium at a level that concerns him, Trump responded: "Sure. Without question. Absolutely."

Iran's air defenses have been largely eliminated, making it virtually impossible for Iran to defend against further strikes on facilities in the future, the White House official stated to NBC News.

"It was made clear that Iran no longer has any more [air defenses], so the idea that they can easily rebuild anything is ludicrous," the White House official said.

The 'all-in' plan

Beginning during the Biden administration, as early as last fall and continuing into this spring, Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, the head of US Central Command, had developed a plan to go "all-in" on striking Iran, according to a current US official and two former officials who spoke to NBC News. That option was designed to "truly decimate" Iran's nuclear capabilities, in the words of one former official.

Under the plan, the United States would have struck six sites. The reasoning was that the six sites would need to be hit repeatedly to inflict the kind of damage necessary to completely end the program, people familiar with the thinking told NBC News. The plan would also have involved targeting more of Iran's air defense and ballistic missile capabilities, and planners projected it could result in a high number of Iranian casualties. US officials expected that if that were to occur, Iran would target American positions, for example in Iraq and Syria, a person familiar with the plan explained to NBC News.

"It would be a protracted air campaign," the person said.

Some Trump administration officials believed a deeper offensive option against Iran was a viable policy, two former officials told NBC News.

Trump was briefed on the so-called all-in plan, but it was ultimately rejected because it would have required a sustained period of conflict.

The history

During his first term, in 2018, Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers that was negotiated during the Obama administration. The agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, imposed strict limitations on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions.

Under the deal, Iran was a year away from obtaining enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb. After Trump withdrew from the accord and reimposed sanctions, Iran violated restrictions on its uranium enrichment. Before the June airstrikes, the regime had enough fissile material for about nine to 10 bombs, according to US officials and United Nations inspectors who spoke to NBC News.

Trump has since sought a new agreement with Iran that would prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Indirect talks between US and Iranian officials failed to secure a deal before Israel launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

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The agency reported on Thursday that, according to Israeli intelligence, Iran failed to relocate enriched uranium from its Fordo Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities prior to the coordinated strikes by Israel and the United States during Operation Rising Lion in June.

The assessment highlights that while the uranium at Isfahan remains potentially accessible, Iran faces significant obstacles in retrieving it under current conditions.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon to address concerns regarding Iran. The Prime Minister's Office stated, "During the visit, Prime Minister Netanyahu held a professional meeting with Secretary Hegseth and his team, addressing key security issues – including countering the Iranian threat, regional security cooperation, and strengthening the strategic ties between Israel and the United States."

The US Department of Defense said, "Secretary Hegseth expressed appreciation for the brave US soldiers who carried out the operation in Iran, which ended the 12-day war and fulfilled President Trump's vision of peace through strength." Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the United States' commitment under President Trump to back Israel and block Iran's path to nuclear weapons.

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This operation, led by Israel, may have averted a third world war by dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities. Israel's action demonstrated its strategic value to American interests in the Middle East and beyond. No nation, including China or Russia, expressed regret over the blows dealt to the Islamic Republic. This strengthened American deterrence, justifying the celebratory tone Netanyahu and Trump are expected to adopt.

However, the meetings will focus not only on past achievements but also on shaping the region's future. Regarding Iran, the leaders will likely coordinate enforcement policies to prevent the revival of its nuclear program. Trump's statements underscore his role as a strict enforcer: He has taken on the role of the tough cop on the nuclear issue, as he emphasized after the strike on Iran. Yet, questions remain about how Israel and the US will address Iran's potential resumption of missile production, funding of proxy terror groups, or global terrorism – all serious challenges.

Gaza remains a critical issue. As long as the conflict persists, normalization with Saudi Arabia or other Arab states is unlikely. A partial agreement with Syria may be possible, but even that is uncertain. Gaza continues to be a regional obstacle.

Distorted reports in some Israeli media on Tuesday suggested Trump intends to exert "heavy pressure" on Netanyahu to end the war. This is a misrepresentation – Trump was asked how far he would go to push Netanyahu toward a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza. He replied, "very firm; but he wants it too." In other words, the prime minister is as eager as the president to end the conflict, and no rift exists between them on this matter.

Like Netanyahu, Trump and his team have repeatedly stated that Hamas cannot remain in Gaza. Those expecting Trump to demand an immediate halt to the war next week, while Hamas still controls the Strip, are mistaken. Both leaders seek a deal, but it must include ousting Hamas from power in Gaza and disarming it. The organization rejects these demands, making an agreement between Israel and Hamas unlikely.

Moreover, Trump remains committed to the "Gaza Riviera" plan, opposed by the Arab world and, naturally, Hamas. It is thus improbable that Trump will "force Netanyahu to end the war," as some in Israel hope. On the contrary, it was Trump who called for opening the gates of hell on Gaza.

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The operation – hailed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as a "spectacular success" – could reshape the Middle East, reducing hostile forces and, with hope, leaving Iran without nuclear arms or significant missile stockpiles.

It remains unclear whether Trump's recent public wavering on attacking Iran was sincere or a strategic ruse. What is undeniable is the complete alignment between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their unified diplomatic stance is mirrored by flawless coordination among top military officials.

The US role is a game-changer. The B-2 bombers, which Israel does not possess, delivered a devastating blow to the heavily fortified Fordo site, a feat beyond Israel's aerial capabilities. Only the US had the heavy ordnance needed to demolish such a nuclear stronghold.

Furthermore, the US strikes will likely accelerate the end of the Israel-Iran conflict. Within days, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are expected to inform political leaders that they have fulfilled their objectives, striking all planned targets since Operation Rising Lion began. The US involvement also transforms the conflict into a global issue, amplifying Israel's long-standing efforts to highlight Iran's threat on the world stage.

Military force alone cannot end this war; a US-led diplomatic push for a nuclear deal is critical. Trump, in his speeches, justifiably calls for the absolute surrender of Iran's regime, seeking to enforce peace through overwhelming strength.

Iran's next move is unclear, as the regime likely deliberates its response. On Sunday morning, it fired two missile salvos at Israel – first 25 missiles, then another five – hitting areas near Ness Ziona, Tel Aviv, and Haifa. Israel's disciplined civilian response limited casualties to one person moderately injured and others with minor wounds, despite extensive property damage.

So far, Iran has refrained from attacking US assets in the region. The full extent of damage to Iran's nuclear sites is under evaluation, and the world awaits Tehran's reaction, which may force a choice between nuclear ambitions and regime survival.

For Israel, Operation Rising Lion – peaking with the US strike on Fordo – is the high point of a war that began with the shock of October 7, 2023, when Israel was caught unprepared. Now, Israel has significantly restored its deterrence, neutralizing numerous threats – from Hezbollah in the north, Hamas in the south, to Iran in the east.

Without Yahya Sinwar's brutal October 7 attack, Israel's strategic posture might not have evolved. That assault enabled Israel to neutralize Hezbollah and muster the courage for a preemptive strike on Iran, potentially eliminating an existential threat.

Should the US and Israel soon declare victory over Iran, Israel's focus will turn to Gaza, where 50 hostages, including one woman's remains, are still held by Hamas. With Iran's influence diminished, some in Israel believe Hamas may soften its stance in talks, enabling Israel to negotiate from strength to secure the release of 20 living hostages and the remains of 30 others.

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The digital countdown clock was unveiled by demonstrators in 2017, during a rally marking the last Friday of the Holy Month of Ramadan, called "Jerusalem Day," instituted by the the founder of the ayatollah regime Ruhollah Khomeini as a rallying cry to defeat Israel. It shows a fist with the colors of the Palestinian flag punching through an Israeli flag. The countdown, which was just over 8411 days when installed, appears next to the caption "Left before destruction of Israel."

בהתאם להנחיית ראש הממשלה בנימין נתניהו ושלי צה"ל תוקף כעת בעוצמה חסרת תקדים מטרות משטר וגופי דיכוי שלטוניים בלב טהרן וביניהם - מטה הבסיג', בית הכלא אווין לאסירים פוליטיים ומתנגדי משטר, השעון "להשמדת ישראל" בכיכר פלסטין, מפקדות ביטחון פנים של משמרות המהפכה, מפקדת האידיאולוגיה…

— ישראל כ"ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) June 23, 2025

"Following the directive of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Israel Katz, the IDF is currently striking regime targets and oppressive governmental institutions in the heart of Tehran with unprecedented force," Katz said, adding that the central command of the internal security agency, Basij – which has cracked down on Iranians for decades and repressed their freedom – was targeted as well.

A List of Targets Struck in Iran This Afternoon:
1. Command centers and assets belonging to the IRGC and internal security forces
2. 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗷 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀- One of the IRGC's central armed bases of power; responsible for enforcing Islamic law and reporting…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 23, 2025

He then went on to say that the the notorious Evin Prison, "known for holding political prisoners and regime opponents" was also hit and the "internal security headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, the ideology headquarters, and additional regime targets."

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The reports, which have not been concurrent with strikes on targets in Tehran, comes just days after President Donald Trump ordered the military to use the so-called "bunker-buster" munitions to penetrate the mountainside site of Fordo. If Israel attacked the site again on Monday, this could mean it no longer needs such ordinances.

Video: The strike on Iran's Evin Prison / Credit: Social media

Located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Tehran, Fordo was constructed inside a mountain, with tunnels extending roughly 80 meters (262 feet) underground. The facility's fortified design sparked immediate concern among international observers, who viewed its hardened construction as inconsistent with peaceful nuclear purposes.

The IDF struck 6 regime airports across western, central, and eastern Iran, destroying runways, underground hangars, refueling aircraft, F-14, F-5 and AH-1 aircraft.

The destroyed aircraft were meant to stop IAF jets. The IAF impaired takeoff capabilities from these airports,… pic.twitter.com/eI1iKw4NqL

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 23, 2025

Under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran agreed to convert Fordo into a research and development center, ceasing uranium enrichment activities at the site. The facility was designated for nuclear physics research, with international monitoring maintained through IAEA inspections.

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, stated that the extent of underground damage at the Fordo site remains unclear at this time.

The Fordo fuel enrichment plant represents one of Iran's most sensitive nuclear installations, built deep underground near the city of Qom. The facility gained international attention when Iran disclosed its existence to the International Atomic Energy Agency in September 2009, following intelligence reports that revealed the site's construction.

Iran International, an outlet linked to the opposition and based abroad, reported that Evin Prison – notorious for holding thousands of political prisoners – was among the targets hit during the Israeli strikes on the capital on Monday.

"Israeli Air Force fighter jets recently conducted precision strikes guided by military intelligence against headquarters and assets belonging to Internal Security Forces and Revolutionary Guards in Tehran, Iran," The IDF said about an hour later, confirming it targeted regime symbols. "These forces comprise various divisions and headquarters responsible on behalf of the Iranian regime's military forces for homeland defense, threat suppression, and regime stability preservation."

The statement went on to say that "as part of the strike operation, forces targeted the 'Basij' headquarters, which constitutes one of the Revolutionary Guards' power bases and is responsible for enforcing the Islamic code and reporting to authorities about citizens who violate it." It further continued, saying "the strikes hit the Alborz Corps, which is responsible for defending multiple cities in Tehran province against various threats and maintaining regime stability, along with the Intelligence and General Security Police of the Internal Security Forces, which also form part of the Iranian regime's military forces. These headquarters hold significance both militarily and governmentally, and striking them damages the Iranian regime's military capabilities."

State television broadcasts in Iran were interrupted twice during the strike, likely due to fears of strikes on broadcasting studios. Al-Mayadeen reported an attack on Building 9 of Iran's state broadcasting authority. A power outage was also reported in one area after a strike damaged a power line.

Earlier on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that over 15 Air Force fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence from the Military Intelligence Directorate, struck sites in Iran's Kermanshah region, destroying multiple launch and storage sites for surface-to-surface missiles aimed at Israel.

As part of efforts to maintain air superiority over Iranian skies, the IDF also targeted six military airfields in western, eastern, and central Iran. The strikes damaged runways, underground hangars, a refueling aircraft, and F-14, F-5, and AH-1 aircraft belonging to the Iranian regime.

These aircraft were intended for use against Israeli Air Force planes to thwart their operations in Iran. The strikes disrupted Iran's ability to operate these airfields and deploy its air forces from them.

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It is too early to fully assess the results of the attack, which primarily targeted the fortified Fordo site, alongside facilities in Natanz and Isfahan. President Donald Trump quickly posted on social media, declaring "Fordo is gone," and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced, "We destroyed Iran's nuclear program." However, other sources, including Israeli officials, were more cautious, noting that it will take time to thoroughly analyze the strike's impact and the extent of damage to Iran's nuclear capabilities. This caution stems partly from reports that Iran evacuated highly enriched uranium and sensitive equipment from the Fordo facility to an unknown location before the attack.

The strike's significance likely surpasses its immediate results. What was not fully achieved in this initial round can be addressed in future operations if necessary. The United States has fulfilled its commitment to prevent Iran from nearing nuclear capability, reaffirming its strategic alliance with Israel and elevating military coordination between the two nations to an unprecedented level.

This operation also served as a fitting farewell for General Michael Kurilla, the outgoing commander of US Central Command. Kurilla, who oversaw Israel's transition from US European Command, built close cooperation between the two militaries and was among the hawkish American leaders warning of the dangerous alignment between Iran's capabilities and intentions.

The American attack relieved Israel of the operational challenges of striking Fordo independently, allowing it to focus on more accessible and pressing targets, particularly Iran's missile launchers, which continue to threaten Israeli territory. The Israeli Air Force's success is evident not only in the reduced volume of missile launches but also in their nature – intense operations in western Iran forced Iran to shift launches eastward, using longer-range missiles it may not have planned to deploy at this stage. Nevertheless, Iran managed to coordinate a significant barrage yesterday, and the scale of destruction from missile impacts underscores the ongoing threat.

Iran now faces a critical dilemma, with three main response options: full-scale escalation, including closing the Strait of Hormuz and attacking American bases and assets in the Persian Gulf, as well as other regional states; complete surrender, accepting a forced agreement, possibly as a temporary tactic to later undermine it; or continuing the fight on its chosen terms against its selected adversary.

In Washington, officials hope for a surrender scenario that avoids deeper conflict and further complications in the Middle East. In Israel, there is open talk of a similar end to the campaign, though private discussions reveal an unhidden hope that increased American involvement could lead to the collapse of Iran's theocratic regime. The Trump administration clarified yesterday that regime change is not currently a goal, but with Trump, unpredictability remains – an Iranian overreaction could prompt another surprise move, despite significant domestic opposition.

Israel's primary concern is that Iran might shift its focus solely to Israel, opting for a prolonged war of attrition. While Iran pays a heavy price in lost assets, Israel has been largely paralyzed for over a week, and it is unclear how long it can sustain this state. Over time, achievements may erode, and economic and physical damages are expected to rise, partly due to reports of growing shortages in interceptors.

The prevailing view in Israel's defense establishment is that this peak moment should be leveraged to bind Iran to a stringent agreement with significant sanctions, addressing nuclear issues, missile production, and terrorism sponsorship. Concurrently, Israel could – as Washington also hopes – expand the Abraham Accords to forge robust regional military, political, and economic alliances, further complicating Iran's recovery.

These efforts will inevitably intersect with the Gaza issue, which, though sidelined, continues to draw Israel's attention. Early yesterday, a split-screen operation unfolded in Israel's command center: one side monitored the American strike on Iran, while the other oversaw the complex effort by the Shin Bet and Israel Defense Forces to recover the bodies of deceased hostages Yonatan Samerano, Ofra Keidar, and Sergeant Shay Levinson.

For a moment, the war's two extremes converged – the low of October 7, 2023, and its aftermath, and the resurgence that followed with its outcomes. Many in the command center were involved in both that failure and this success. For them, Iran represents a historic event and a professional and personal peak, but the campaign's final note must be struck in Gaza – with the return of the hostages.

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Video: Near miss in southern Israel during an Iranian missile barrage, June 2025 / Credit: Usage under Israeli intellectual property law Article 27a

According to initial reports, several impact sites and areas with interceptor debris were identified. In the Lachish region, fires broke out in open areas. In the Shephelah region, a report indicated a missile or interceptor fragment had fallen. As of now, no casualties have been reported. Additionally, a missile impact was reported on a road in the southern region, with no casualties. A preliminary report also noted an impact in a southern city. In the northern region, one impact was reported without casualties. Magen David Adom first responder teams were dispatched to scan impact zones. Currently, no casualties have been reported across all areas in Israel.

The Israel Electric Corporation issued a statement noting that, due to an impact point near a strategic infrastructure facility in the southern region, power supply disruptions have affected several communities in the area.

No emergency calls have been received at the national hotline, and it was not immediately clear if there were any casualties.

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Video: The scene of the missile strike on Tel Aviv on June 22, 2025 / Credit: Usage under Israel's intellectual property law section 27a

The missile barrage from Iran caused at least 20 casualties, including two with serious casualties. The barrages included about 30 missiles in the first barrage to central Israel and the coast, followed by another five fired several minutes later to northern Israel and Samaria.

Video: The scene of the missile strike on Tel Aviv on June 22, 2025 / Credit: Usage under Israel's intellectual property law section 27a

First responders were evacuating people who were injured in Haifa, Tel Aviv, Rehovot, and Ness Ziona. At least three of the injured were children.

Central Tel Aviv residential area pic.twitter.com/zeJinusM3i

— ‏Tal Schneider טל שניידר تال شنايدر (@talschneider) June 22, 2025

The Magen David Adom rescue service reported receiving approximately ten reports of impact sites across Israel. Several casualties reported, mostly with light injuries, but two were in serious condition.

Video: The scene of the missile strike on Haifa on June 22, 2025 / Credit: Usage under Israel's intellectual property law section 27a

The Israeli military confirmed detecting dozens of launches from Iran, triggering sirens across the country. Home Front Command issued alerts for the north and central regions as air defense systems engaged the incoming threats.

Israelis were allowed to leave the shelter at around 8:20 p.m., some 30 minutes after the first volley.

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"A short time ago, in full coordination between myself and President Trump, and in full operational coordination between the Israel Defense Forces and the United States military, the United States attacked Iran's three nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan," Netanyahu announced. According to the prime minister, the United States continued "with greater intensity and tremendous force" the IDF and Mossad strikes on Iran's nuclear program.

Netanyahu revealed that immediately after completing the operation, President Trump called him for a "very warm, very moving" conversation. "He blessed me, he blessed our military and he blessed our people. And I blessed him, the United States pilots and the American people," the prime minister recounted.

The prime minister defined the American president as "courageously leading the free world" and "a tremendous friend of Israel, a friend like no other." "In my name and on behalf of all Israeli citizens, on behalf of the entire Jewish people, I thank him from the depths of my heart," Netanyahu added.

Video: Netanyahu's video message in English / Credit: PMO

According to the prime minister, Iran's nuclear program "threatened our very existence and also endangered world peace." He emphasized that Operation Rising Lion achieved "unprecedented accomplishments in Israel's history."

Netanyahu concluded his remarks with the message "We stand together, we fight together, and with God's help – we win together," and quoted from the weekly Torah portion – "Let us go up at once and possess it, for we are well able to overcome it" (Numbers 13:30).

In a separate video message in English, Netanyahu delivered a triumphant and deeply grateful message to US President Donald Trump, hailing the American-led bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities as a "bold decision that will change history."

The address came just hours after initial reports of a massive, targeted military operation against key Iranian nuclear sites, an action Netanyahu attributed directly to the "awesome and righteous might of the United States."

"Congratulations President Trump," Netanyahu began, speaking with clear conviction. "Your bold decision... will change history."

The Israeli leader, who has for decades warned of the existential threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran, framed the American military strike as a monumental turning point for global security. He praised President Trump's leadership in a way that he said even surpassed Israel's own celebrated covert operations.

"In tonight's action against Iran's nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed," Netanyahu stated. "It has done what no other country on earth could do."

Throughout the speech, Netanyahu repeatedly justified the strike, casting it as a necessary act to disarm a malevolent force. "History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons," he declared, his voice rising with emphasis.

The address positioned the dramatic military action as the ultimate fulfillment of the "peace through strength" doctrine, a philosophy Netanyahu noted he and President Trump often discuss.

Video: President Donald Trump announces the strike on Iran on June 22, 2025 / Credit: White House

"First comes strength, then comes peace," he said, before adding, "And tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength."

The prime minister's remarks represent the culmination of years of Israeli lobbying and intelligence-sharing aimed at convincing the world, and particularly the United States, to take decisive action against Tehran's nuclear ambitions. For Netanyahu, the night's events were a profound validation of his long-held stance.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister offered a sweeping message of thanks that encompassed not only the leaders but the people of both nations and the broader cause of global order.

"President Trump, I thank you. The people of Israel thank you. The forces of civilization thank you," he said. "God bless America, God bless Israel, and may God bless our unshakable alliance, our unbreakable faith."

The speech leaves no doubt about the Israeli government's full-throated support for the U.S. action, positioning the two allies as lockstep partners in what Netanyahu has defined as a pivotal moment in the history of the Middle East.

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