Unconfirmed Arab media reports claim Israeli special forces and intelligence operatives conducted ground missions inside Iran, potentially signaling a new phase in the escalating conflict.
Saudi and UAE-based media outlets have reported that Israeli special forces and intelligence operatives carried out ground missions inside Iran overnight, marking a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to Al Arabiya and Sky News Arabia, elite Israeli units and Mossad operatives were allegedly deployed to sensitive sites in Isfahan, Tehran and Kermanshah provinces, with objectives said to include disabling hardened nuclear facilities and targeting Revolutionary Guard command centers. The reports remain unconfirmed by Israeli authorities.
The alleged operations come amid claims by Israeli officials that air superiority has been established over parts of western Iran, potentially enabling low-altitude or covert missions. Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israeli jets are striking targets directly over Tehran, while US officials have declined to rule out further measures as the conflict expands.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has officially confirmed ground activity in southern Lebanon, though it has not acknowledged operations inside Iran. Analysts say if verified, such missions would represent a significant shift from aerial bombardment to direct, on-the-ground engagement.