In a major military operation, Israel's air force initiated a series of coordinated airstrikes against key military and nuclear facilities in Iran, beginning early on a Friday morning.

The offensive commenced around 3 AM and was reported to focus initially on Iranian military leadership and intelligence targets in Tehran, subsequently shifting to air defense installations, missile launch sites, and the critical nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz.

The Israeli strikes are reported to have included the targeting of high-ranking Iranian military officials, with the killing of Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iran’s military, alongside General Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

This approach reflects a strategic aim to disrupt Iran's military command and control capabilities.

Burcu Ozcelik, a research fellow at a prominent defense think tank, underscored the potential implications of the strikes, suggesting that they could significantly reshape the strategic landscape in the Middle East due to the high-profile nature of the targets.

Damage assessments from the Natanz facility, known for uranium enrichment, remain unclear.

Iran confirmed that the site was struck but reported no casualties, according to semi-official news sources.

The International Atomic Energy Agency is currently evaluating the extent of the damage.

Israel’s military spokesperson claimed significant damage was inflicted on the underground facility, which is fortified by reinforced concrete approximately eight meters below ground.

In a broader operation, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency reported conducting a combination of commando-style attacks and drone strikes targeting Iranian air defense systems, particularly at the Esfejabad airbase.

While some claims from Mossad may contain propagandistic elements, the overall assessment indicates little to no effective Iranian air defense response thus far, allowing Israel to maintain air superiority during the assault.

Following the airstrikes, Iran launched over 100 drones targeting Israel, all of which were reportedly intercepted before reaching their destination.

The drones, characterized by their slow speed, posed a limited threat due to the substantial operational distance required for them to reach Israeli territory.

Iran retains a significant arsenal of ballistic missiles, estimated at around 3,000, which could pose a considerable threat should Tehran opt for a retaliatory strike.

Past missile attacks against Israeli airbases, including the Nevatim and Tel Nof bases, resulted in only minor damages.

Initial assessments suggest that Kermanshah, a site associated with ballistic missile capabilities, was among the early targets of Israeli air operations.

Despite extensive military preparations by Iran, the strong fortification of its facilities presents challenges for any effective strikes.

Israel has notably avoided targeting the Fordow enrichment facility, believed to be deeper underground than Natanz, thus complicating efforts to neutralize Iran's nuclear program.

Military analysis indicates that successful attacks on such hardened targets would require a concerted effort and advanced munitions typically available only to US forces.

The ongoing military engagement is expected to evolve into an extended campaign, with reports suggesting that Israel could sustain operations for weeks.

The situation is further complicated by strategic considerations surrounding potential Iranian responses, including asymmetrical tactics such as cyber warfare or attacks on U.S. interests in the region, which could escalate the conflict significantly.