New Details on Israel’s Strike on Iran Revealed
Israel’s long-secret preparations for striking Iran’s nuclear program, culminating in Operation Tornado, are now revealed, highlighting months of high-level deliberations, strategic coordination with the U.S., and an audacious goal: to neutralize Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
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During Israel’s preparations for striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, codenamed “Operation Aurora” by the IDF, at least 14 discussions were held at the highest levels of the defense establishment, involving Defense Minister Israel Katz. These meetings spanned from November 11, 2024, with the General Staff Forum to June 9, 2025, days before the campaign’s launch.
Key discussions included whether the United States would join Israel in the strikes or grant a “green light” for an independent Israeli attack on Iranian soil. For months, the Israeli Air Force enhanced its operational capabilities to enable fighter jets to operate in Iranian airspace.
On January 23, 2025, Defense Minister Katz defined the campaign’s objective: “Eliminating Iran’s nuclear weapon development capability for a certain period, forcing Iran to reassess the feasibility of rebuilding the project. The strike itself will create significant deterrence, leading to a freeze of the program.”
For weeks, defense leaders debated U.S. participation, ultimately settling for at least a “light green” approval, basic U.S. consent for an Israeli strike, acknowledging potential Iranian retaliation against U.S. bases. Israel informed the U.S. of its intent to target Iran’s nuclear facilities and missile program. Four senior officials oversaw the operation: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
Today, the operation, named “Tornado,” was revealed. Directed by Katz, its goal was to “devastate Tehran” by targeting buildings and infrastructure in Iran’s capital to establish deterrence, amid fears of a broad Iranian counterattack on Israel’s home front.
On May 29, two weeks before the campaign, the operation was approved. The security discussion concluded with plans for “response measures against intense Iranian fire targeting population centers, based on a strategy of escalation, and an additional tool to conclude the campaign.” The strike was scheduled for Thursday, June 12, following a June 9 assessment that most Iranian senior officials, generals, and scientists would be at home ahead of Friday’s sacred prayers in Iran.
Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel achieved “above and beyond” in the campaign, partly due to U.S. participation with B2 bombers targeting nuclear facilities. “We struck a severe blow to Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities,” Katz said.
Katz’s office says an enforcement process has begun to maintain air superiority and gather intelligence on Iran’s nuclear and missile intentions. Israel claims the existential nuclear threat has been neutralized, though missile production remains a concern.