Israeli army says it struck weapons research centre in Tehran

Israel’s military announced on Friday, June 20, that it carried out extensive overnight airstrikes in Tehran, targeting what it described as critical sites linked to Iran’s nuclear weapons development, marking the eighth consecutive day of direct conflict between the two countries.

In an official statement, the Israeli army said it had “completed a series of strikes in the heart of Tehran,” hitting “dozens of targets,” including military missile production facilities and the headquarters of Iran’s Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), which it accused of leading research and development for Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

According to the military, the SPND facility “is used for research and development of advanced technologies and weapons supporting the Iranian regime’s military capabilities.” The army further stated that more than 60 fighter jets participated in the operation, striking facilities involved in producing missile components and raw materials used in casting missile engines.

During the operation, Israel also intercepted four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) reportedly launched from Iran. In a separate statement, the military said it destroyed “three ready-to-launch missile launchers aimed at Israeli territory.”

The latest escalation follows Israel’s initial wave of airstrikes on Iran a week ago, which officials said were in response to intelligence suggesting that Iran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon. Tehran has consistently denied that its nuclear program is aimed at developing weapons, insisting it is for peaceful purposes.

The conflict has sparked international concern and calls for de-escalation. European foreign ministers are set to meet with their Iranian counterpart on Friday, June 20, in a bid to mediate a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is considering whether to involve the United States militarily, following days of speculation and warnings from the White House.

Tensions have been compounded by recent missile attacks from Iran on Israeli territory, with Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem experiencing multiple alerts and explosions in recent days.

As the possibility of wider regional involvement looms, global leaders continue to urge restraint amid fears of a broader Middle East war.