Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to increase strikes on strategic and government targets inside Iran, specifically Tehran area. The goal is to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten Israel while weakening “ayatollah regime”, thus exerting more pressure during an escalated military confrontation, according to report by Azar at The Guardian and report by Azer at Azar at Report.az +2.
Targeting Iranian Infrastructure Its According to a post on social media platform X, Katz announced that the IDF had increased their operation scope to target strategic objectives and government buildings in Tehran as part of an initiative intended to “eliminate threats against Israel and topple the Ayatollah regime.” He described this directive as part of an initiative meant to remove threats against Israeli sovereignty by dismantling Iranian influence over Iran and shake its power base (en.apa.az or report.az for more info).
This announcement marks a notable shift in Israeli strategy, expanding beyond earlier strikes aimed primarily at nuclear and military installations to include Iran’s internal security infrastructure. Reportedly, Israeli forces struck Iran’s internal security force headquarters–likely the Basij or police command–in Tehran as part of this broad targeting doctrine (en.apa.az +8 Wsj +8
ABC7NY.com +8) (Wsj | ABC7NY +8) to demonstrate strategic intent en.apa.az +8 DC.)
Israel’s aggressive posture aims to achieve various goals:
Diminish Iran’s regime cohesion by attacking symbolic and operational government sites.
Signal deterrence by showing Israeli willingness to respond beyond military targets.
Impact domestic stability within Iran’s security and political establishment.
These actions follow Israeli strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities at Natanz, Arak and Isfahan as well as Tehran’s air defense systems – reflecting an all-out strategy aimed at undermining Iran’s deterrence and command capabilities, reflecting a comprehensive strategy against their deterrent capabilities and command capabilities (en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=IranNuke@Wikipedia ) whilst taking into account their legal ramifications (The Guardian) (Tactical and Legal Implications
Targeting regime structures could hamper Iranian decision-making; however, doing so also raises significant legal and strategic questions:
Deterrence or Escalation? : Broader targeting can deter Tehran, but may lead to intensified retaliation in response.
Civilian Risk: Security buildings often coexist in urban settings, increasing the possibility of collateral damage.
International norms: Attacking government infrastructure unrelated to military operations could spark condemnation and accusations that you violate international law.
Legal analysts caution that under international norms and Syria war standards, striking nonmilitary government sites intentionally can blur the distinction between combatant and civilian domains.
Context of Escalation
This directive comes amid intense retaliatory cycles between Israel and Iran. On June 13, Israel Defense Forces’ Operation Rising Lion targeted over 100 sites in Iran across nuclear, military and security sectors, killing senior Iranian commanders while severely disrupting nuclear infrastructure (reported on by The Guardian.com, Reuter’s, New York Post and Wikipedia respectively), disrupting nuclear infrastructure significantly whilst killing senior commanders (theguardian.com; Reuter’s); WP’s New York Post coverage +15 and WP’s washingtonpostcom for its coverage). Finally Time.com for its parting shot on this particular note is given on another subject matter (retaliatory strikes are due).
Iran responded with large-scale missile and drone salvos against Israeli cities, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage–including hits on hospitals and residential buildings. Iranian missile barrages have reportedly injured multiple individuals while also damaging key energy facilities within Israel.
Reactions and Consequences
United States: President Trump has warned of further U.S. involvement and of extraordinary consequences while demanding Iran surrender unconditionally reuters.com +1 and newyorkerpost.com (+1).
European Allies: France, Germany and the United Kingdom all have issued warnings against deliberately targeting state infrastructure as this could spiral the conflict into a wider regional war.
United Nations and NGOs: International organizations have expressed concerns over violations to humanitarian law, particularly regarding civil shielded spaces and government-run essential services.
What Next? With the IDF now ordered to expand strikes beyond government hubs, observers warn the conflict could enter a new phase. Israeli military focus may widen into deeper targeting with potentially severe civilian consequences as Iranian retaliatory measures increase in intensity.
Diplomatic channels–whether through the UN Security Council or European mediators–face immense pressure to secure a ceasefire, yet with eyes set on regime hardship and survival, military escalation appears far from over. The coming days may reveal whether Israeli efforts to “shake the regime” can withstand international scrutiny–or pushes the region toward even deeper conflict.