Israeli forces were given new directives on Friday to escalate their attacks on Iran, with the objective of significantly weakening the Islamic Republic’s regime. This escalation comes as the conflict between the two nations entered its second week, with both sides continuing to exchange strikes.
Defense Minister Yisroel Katz announced that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to expand their offensive, which included overnight airstrikes on a number of military sites across Iran, one of which targeted a facility associated with nuclear research.
“We must strike all symbols of the regime and its mechanisms of oppression, such as the Basij, as well as the base of the regime’s power, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” Katz declared.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining relentless pressure through ongoing bombardments “to destabilize the regime and increase deterrence in response to missile fire on Israel’s home front.”
According to Israeli military officials, over 60 fighter jets were deployed to attack facilities believed to be involved in missile production. These were described as key industrial centers linked to Iran’s weapons capabilities.
Among the sites reportedly hit was the headquarters of Iran’s Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, which American officials have previously associated with secret Iranian work related to nuclear weapons development.
“A week has passed since the operation began,” said Brigadier General Effie Defrin, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, in a press briefing.
“We are strengthening our air control in the region and advancing our air offensive. We have more sites to strike in Tehran, western Iran and other places.”
This intensified campaign came on the heels of remarks from President Trump, who on Thursday reiterated that he would reach a decision within two weeks on whether to launch a U.S. strike on Iran. He noted that diplomacy might still be possible regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and said he was not yet ready to abandon that hope.
{Matzav.com}