Israel’s attack on Iran: what we know so far

Israel’s air force, possibly with drones, attacked an air base or hit nearby facilities in Isfahan, Iran.

The airbase has not been officially named, but it was likely the Hesa Air Base. This air base is associated with the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Company, the successor to the Bell Helicopter complex built for the Shah of Iran and dating back to 1974. That facility is massive and is in full operation producing Bell’s 214 Helicopter and other models as well as locally produced variants.

The airbase also plays a role in protecting the nearby Natanz Uranium Enrichment facility and three Chinese-origin nuclear reactors.

There is information coming from the Jerusalem Post that says that Israel targeted an air defense site protecting the Natanz facility, shown in an aerial view below. Given the importance of uranium enrichment to Iran’s weapon’s program, this site probably was protected by a Russian-made S-300 air defense system. We don’t know if the site was destroyed.

In addition, Jennifer Dyer who is a top geostrategic analyst, reports that Israel may also have hit a high level Hezbollah meeting in Baghdad and a missile factory in the Babil, Iraq governance. She also reports that the strike in Syria may have been aimed at a missile production facility.

In addition, Israel carried out counter-terrorist operations in Lebanon and in the West Bank.

According to reports, Iran shut down its nuclear facilities and other airports, including the large international airport in the Iranian capital, Teheran. However, a few hours after the strike the shutdown orders were rescinded and regular civilian air traffic restarted.

There are no reports of any casualties from the Israeli strike.

The US said it was informed there would be a