The attack was reportedly met with reactions of support and celebration among segments of the population in Iran, particularly in Kurdish-majority provinces.
In this context, Colonel Kamal Panjasi, the Persian-language spokesperson of the Israeli military, stated hours after the launch of the operation that it would continue “for as long as necessary,” adding that updates would be provided as developments unfold.
Several hours after the strikes began, Israeli sources claimed that Ali Khamenei, the Iranian presidential office, as well as command centers of the Iranian army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were among the initial targets. No verified reports have yet been released regarding possible casualties among senior Iranian officials.
The Israeli military spokesperson described the campaign as a broad and powerful joint operation between Israel and the United States aimed at delivering a decisive blow and removing what were characterized as long-term existential threats against Israel.
According to the statement, the operation includes strikes on “dozens of military targets” carried out as part of a wide, coordinated, and joint offensive.
Referring to developments in recent months, the spokesperson said that Iran has not abandoned what Israel describes as its plan to destroy Israel. He added that despite what he called a “significant blow” in previous operations, Tehran has continued efforts to reinforce, secure, and conceal its nuclear program, while simultaneously rebuilding its missile production capabilities.
He further alleged that the Islamic Republic continues to finance, train, and arm proxy forces stationed near Israel’s borders, describing these actions as an existential threat to Israel and a danger to the security of the Middle East and the wider world.
