Israel’s military struck several nuclear targets in Iran, including the Arak heavy water reactor, as the two countries exchanged fire for the seventh consecutive day, the Israeli government confirmed on Thursday.
The facility, located about 250 kilometers (155 miles) southwest of Tehran, has the capability to produce plutonium, a material that can be used to build a nuclear bomb. “The attack was intended to prevent its ability to be used again to produce nuclear weapons,” the Israeli military said.
⭕This nuclear reactor in Arak was created for one purpose: to build a nuclear bomb.
It has now been neutralized. Here is a closer look at the reactor itself: pic.twitter.com/4KBDsgp8IN
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 19, 2025
Footage uploaded by IDF shows Israeli jets striking the inactive nuclear reactor earlier on Thursday. At least six guided bombs struck the reactor’s containment structure.
תיעוד תקיפת הכור הגרעיני שאינו פעיל במרחב אראכ, ובו המבנה המאטם בכור המהווה מרכיב עיקרי בייצור פלוטוניום.
התקיפה נועדה למנוע את היכולת להשמשתו חזרה לייצור נשק גרעיני. pic.twitter.com/WNlZQJuQjw— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 19, 2025
An Israeli military official told Reuters that Thursday’s strikes also targeted nuclear facilities at Natanz and Isfahan. A military spokesperson initially reported that the Bushehr nuclear power plant had been targeted, but an Israeli defense official later clarified that this report was a mistake.
According to the IDF, additional strikes on Thursday targeted a ballistic missile and air defense production facilities, as well as radar systems and missile storage sites, all of which support Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and its attacks on Israeli civilians.
⭕️The IDF struck key sites tied to Iran’s nuclear weapons and missile programs, including:
– Inactive nuclear reactor in Arak—a key component in plutonium production
– A nuclear weapons development site near Natanz
– Ballistic missile & air defense production facilities
– Radar… pic.twitter.com/2YpMZVYzXv— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 19, 2025
In response, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli territory, targeting at least seven locations. One missile struck near Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, injuring more than 70 people. Iran stated that its attacks were aimed at military infrastructure.
The Iranian regime targeted Soroka Hospital in Beersheba with a ballistic missile—hitting a major medical center.
We will not stand by. We will continue doing what must be done to defend our people. pic.twitter.com/4ldeTQhATW
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) June 19, 2025
Additional projectiles on Thursday hit areas in and around Tel Aviv, including Holon and Ramat Gan.
Israel reported that at least 24 people have been killed within its borders since the conflict began. Meanwhile, Iranian state media last updated its death toll on June 15, reporting 224 fatalities.
