Israel initiated a large-scale, preemptive military operation targeting the core of Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. This comprehensive assault involved warplanes and covertly deployed drones, striking key facilities such as the Natanz nuclear enrichment site, ballistic missile installations, and air defense systems. A significant component of this operation was a "decapitation campaign" aimed at eliminating top Iranian military leaders and prominent nuclear scientists. Israel asserted these strikes were essential to preempt an imminent threat from Iran's advancing nuclear program, which it views as an existential danger.