Avery Borens, Johanna Moore, Kelly Campa, and Annika Ganzeveld

Information Cutoff: 6:00AM ET

The Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) will be publishing two updates per day while conditions in the Middle East warrant it. Our updates will provide insights into the ongoing strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, and key military and nuclear program leadership. We will prioritize covering Iranian and Iranian-sponsored activities in response to the attacks that threaten US forces and interests.

Click here to see an explainer on the structure and function of the entities within the Iranian armed forces and the roles that they play in regime security.

Israel has shifted its air campaign to target Iranian ballistic missile production facilities since CTP-ISW's last data cutoff on June 17. The IDF reported that it struck missile production sites in Tehran Province overnight on June 17 and 18 that produced raw materials and components for missile assembly. Israel struck the Khojir Missile Production Complex in Hajarabad, Tehran Province. The Khojir Missile Production Complex produces solid- and liquid-fueled missiles. Satellite imagery captured in April 2024 showed that Iran had established 30 new buildings at the Khojir facility between August 2023 and April 2024. Reuters reported that the expansion of the Khojir complex would increase Iran’s capacity to send weapons to Russia, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The IDF previously struck the Khojir Missile Production Complex in October 2024.

Key Takeaways:

• Israeli strikes have focused on targeting the Iranian missile program in recent hours. Israel has struck several sites tied to missile production, including a site that Iran has expanded significantly in recent years to build weapons for Russia and the so-called “Axis of Resistance.”

• Iran downed an Israeli drone around Esfahan. This marks the first confirmed Israeli aircraft that Iran has downed since the Israeli strikes began.

• Iran conducted two ballistic missile attacks targeting Israel. The attacks reportedly included around 20 and 30 missiles.



• Israeli strikes have targeted two centrifuge production sites around Tehran. Israel also struck the IRGC Imam Hossein University, which is controlled by the IRGC and Iranian nuclear weapons research.

Click Here to Read the Full Update

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