The Israeli Air Force has been carrying out drills in recent days aimed at simulating strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, reports Elaph News.
Israel has long accused Iran of having multiple nuclear facilities, including uranium mines, research reactors, uranium processing facilities, and uranium enrichment plants. These facilities have been part of Iran’s nuclear program since the 1950s with support from the United States under the Atoms for Peace program. Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Israel has proven that all substantial nuclear endeavors by Iran have moved into covert operations.
Over recent years, Israel has significantly enhanced its military preparedness for a potential nuclear strike on Iran, spurred by the regime’s escalating threat to the region. Last May, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted the “Chariots of Fire” exercise, which focused on tactics to hit deeply buried facilities, such as the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, an Iranian underground facility that has been a focal point of international tension due to its potential for weapons-grade uranium enrichment.
Tensions have been tense between Israel and Iran following an airstrike widely attributed to Israel that killed a senior Iranian general in Damascus last week. With orders reportedly being handed down along the ranks by Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the IDF has been on high alert, canceling leave for combat units and preparing missile defenses for possible strikes by Iran-backed terror groups in the region. The latter is more likely, with sources telling the London-based news agency that Iran is unlikely to attack Israel directly out of fear of US reprisal.
On Tuesday, a hostile drone was fired by Iranian-backed Houthi militias into Israeli airspace. When it neared Eilat, the UAV was intercepted by Israel’s ‘C-Dome, a naval-based version of Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ missile defense system.
