'The deepest we have struck in Iran': Defrin updates Israel has struck hundreds of Iranian targets
Defrin "could not disclose" whether Khamenei is one of Israel's strike targets when asked by a reporter.
IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin said Saturday evening that Israel has struck over 150 targets and over 400 different components in Operation Rising Lion, which began Friday.
Defrin said that missile infrastructure, air defense systems, and nuclear-related facilities were targeted. He “could not disclose” whether Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is one of Israel’s strike targets when asked by a reporter.
Overnight, over 70 Israeli fighter jets launched a significant strike on targets in Tehran, the capital of Iran and the heart of the regime. “The path to Tehran has been paved,” Defrin said. The IDF struck over 40 missile-related targets, including advanced air defense systems, command-and-control infrastructure, and launch platforms.
Israeli aircraft remained over Tehran for approximately two and a half hours, supported by drones in constant operation to maintain control of the area and assist with targeting and intelligence. Dozens of aerial assets operated freely over the city, made possible by initial strikes that neutralized key Iranian air defense systems, Defrin said.
“This is the first time our aircraft have operated in this region - this is the deepest we have struck in Iran to date,” Defrin noted. “We created aerial freedom of movement in western Iran, all the way to Tehran, which enables us to operate and neutralize threats to the State of Israel.”
Why Israel must strike Tehran
He emphasized the strategic and operational significance of reaching Tehran. “Our pilots are acting with professionalism under risk. The Air Force and Military Intelligence Directorate have prepared for this for years.”Defrin stated that Tehran is no longer immune and that its capital and regime institutions are now exposed.
On Friday night, the IDF also struck a nuclear facility in the Isfahan region. The site, according to Defrin, was used by the Iranian regime to develop infrastructure for uranium conversion, a key step in the process of producing a nuclear weapon. The site housed facilities for manufacturing metallic uranium, as well as infrastructure for converting enriched uranium, laboratories, and other components.
Defrin said this was a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions: “The destruction of these components constitutes a major setback in Iran’s ability to progress toward a nuclear weapon.”
“We cannot allow weapons of mass destruction in the hands of a regime whose stated goal is our destruction,” he added.
Impact on Israel and returning hostages
Turning to the Israeli home front, Defrin praised the resilience of civilians and noted that three Israeli citizens were killed and 76 wounded in Iranian missile strikes on civilian areas on Friday. “Your composure is commendable,” he said, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded. The toll of those wounded has since risen to over 200.He stressed that Israel’s multi-layered air defense systems are active and intercepting threats, though not hermetic. “In the most recent barrages, there were a small number of direct hits that caused casualties and damage.”
Rescue and emergency services, including the IDF’s Home Front Command, Magen David Adom, the Israel Police, and local authorities, remain alert and are deployed across the country. Defrin urged the public to follow Home Front Command instructions and not to share images or locations of missile impacts, warning that such posts aid the enemy.
He noted that alongside the strikes in Iran, IDF forces are actively engaged in combat in Gaza and other arenas. Despite the intensity of operations, he emphasized that the IDF remains focused on its top priority.
“The hostages remain at the forefront of our thoughts,” he said. “We will continue to do everything necessary to bring them home.”
