An Iranian missile has struck the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. The early morning attack on Thursday targeted the renowned research facility located in the city of Rehovot. While no casualties were reported, the iconic “Jewel of Science” building was completely destroyed, along with significant damage to several laboratories.
According to the Associated Press (AP), years of advanced research in the fields of biology and physics at the institute have been lost. The incident has caused widespread panic among Israeli scientists. The molecular cell biology lab of Professor Oren Schuldiner was entirely destroyed in the attack. He remarked, “This is a moral victory for Iran. They’ve succeeded in striking at the core of Israel’s scientific value.”
Last year, Israel claimed that Iran was plotting to assassinate a nuclear scientist from the Weizmann Institute. Several Palestinians from East Jerusalem were arrested as suspects in the case. Yoel Guzansky, an Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, believes Iran deliberately targeted the research centre. According to him, “Through this attack, Iran is sending a clear message: “You killed our scientists, now we’re hitting your scientific power.”
Meanwhile, whether the United States will launch a military operation against Iran is expected to be decided within two weeks, according to the White House. In a report by the BBC, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “The reality is that there’s still a possibility for an understanding with Iran in the near future. However, whether the President chooses that path will be decided within the next two weeks.”
She further added that President Trump does not want to shut the door on diplomatic talks with Iran, despite his opposition to Tehran’s uranium enrichment program. “The President prefers a diplomatic solution. He is one of the strongest advocates for peace. If there is a diplomatic path, he will surely pursue it.”
A report by Bloomberg News on Wednesday, citing senior Trump administration officials, revealed that the U.S. is planning a possible strike on Iran by the end of the week. When asked at the White House whether the US would actually attack Iran, President Trump responded ambiguously, saying: “I may do it. Or maybe not!”
An Israeli government official said on Thursday that it would become clear within 24 to 48 hours whether the United States will engage in a direct confrontation with Iran.