As news spread about Israel’s airstrikes on military and nuclear locations in Iran, Israeli commandos were already on the ground, liaising with the Israeli Air Force and Mossad. The surprising revelation came with the commencement of the Israel-Iran War, also dubbed the 12-Day War, initiating on June 13, 2025. Israeli fighter jets conducted surprise attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, not limiting themselves to bases and enrichment centers. The first day saw some 200 fighters targeting 100 sites nationwide.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir revealed in a June 2025 press conference that the Israeli forces gained complete control of the Iranian skies and operated seamlessly in chosen locations. He attributed this success to the coordinated efforts of the air forces and commandos on the ground, conducting covert operations inside hostile territory to secure operational freedom.
Zamir publicly acknowledged the deployment of Israeli troops in Iranian territory, noting the sabotage of Iranian air defense systems and missiles by Mossad and the commandos. Additionally, a covert drone base was established outside Tehran, enabling the smuggling of precision weapons and commandos inside Iran. These efforts were critical in neutralizing surface-to-surface missiles aimed at Israel.
The precise weapons and commandos surreptitiously transported into Iran were instrumental in granting Israel unchallenged access to Iranian airspace throughout the 12-day conflict. The swift establishment of Air Superiority led to the immediate demise of 30 Iranian generals and nine nuclear scientists in the initial phase of the air assault.
Israeli officials described the operation as a combination of innovative strategies, meticulous planning, sophisticated technologies, and covert actions conducted within Iran’s borders, evading local intelligence. The strikes targeted various Iranian nuclear sites such as the Fordo Fuel Enrichment Plant, the Natanz nuclear facility, and a centrifuge workshop in Isfahan. Despite retaliatory efforts by Iran and its proxies, including missile and drone attacks on Israel, the United States and Israel’s joint offensive significantly hindered Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Lt. Gen. Zamir emphasized that the 12-Day War substantially hampered Iran’s nuclear program, setting it back by at least two years. While acknowledging the progress made, he cautioned that challenges lie ahead and emphasized the need for continued vigilance. The campaign, though impactful, remains ongoing, signaling a long and arduous path ahead.
