The operation marks the most direct American military intervention inside Iran in decades and has reignited fears of a rapidly widening conflict that could draw in proxy forces, endanger U.S. troops, and disrupt global energy markets.

Israel has struck a series of nuclear facilities across Iran, including its largest enrichment site, Natanz, key buildings at its Esfahan complex, factories that make centrifuges to enrich uranium, and its still-under-construction heavy-water reactor at Khondab.