The Telegraph reports that Israel concealed reports of Iranian missiles striking key military sites, including air bases, intelligence centers, and logistics hubs, during a recent 12-day conflict. Radar data from Oregon State University researchers, shared with the British newspaper, indicates that six Iranian missiles struck five Israeli military sites across the country. The Israel Defense Forces did not provide specific comments on the attacks, instead stating that all relevant units maintained functional continuity during the operation. The report suggests heavy military censorship prevented public acknowledgment of the incidents.
Analysis cited by The Telegraph suggests that Israeli and US air defenses generally performed well, intercepting most of the incoming fire, although the share of missiles that penetrated through Israeli defenses rose to about 16% by the seventh day. The paper noted that this could have been linked with Israeli attempts to conserve ammunition, improved tactics by Iran, or the deployment of more advanced and harder-to-intercept weaponry.
The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, top Iranian commanders, and military sites, triggering retaliation by Tehran. Israeli officials reported 29 deaths and over 3,200 injuries, while Iran estimated over 900 deaths and 4,700 injuries. The US eventually joined the conflict by deploying heavy bombers against key Iranian nuclear sites. After a ceasefire was reached, both sides proclaimed victory.
The hostilities started after Iran declined a US demand to abandon its enrichment capabilities, which Washington believes could enable Tehran to create nuclear weapons. Iran has denied plans to create an atomic weapon, insisting that its nuclear program only serves peaceful purposes.