He noted that the operation was quite complex, but added that Israeli forces did not touch oil facilities, including Kharg Island, through which Iran exports about 250 million barrels of oil to China. According to Elam, this amount is approximately 10% of China’s needs, and the absence of a strike on these facilities has implications for both Iran and the global economy.
Regarding the strategic objectives of the attack, Elam clarified that, contrary to the belief that nuclear facilities were not damaged, the attack was carried out on the Parchin facility, a military zone where Iran is conducting important experiments related to the creation of nuclear weapons.
He recalled that the Mossad received information about this facility back in 2018 after receiving an Iranian archive. According to him, the photographs show destruction, and claims that nuclear facilities were not damaged are not entirely true.
Elam also commented on the current state of Iran, pointing out that the country is in its most vulnerable situation since the end of the Iran-Iraq War in 1988. He added that Iran lacks a developed missile defense system and protective shelters, as well as Arrow missiles.
Elam noted that the latest attacks on Israel in April and October failed, and that after yesterday’s attack, Iran is beginning to realize its consequences, which were worse than expected. According to Elam, Iran does not yet know how to respond.
Speaking about the possible options for an Iranian response, Elam expressed the opinion that Iran has few options left:
“Their main ally, Hezbollah, is all but neutralized and their capabilities are limited. The Yemeni ally also faces effective US protection.”
Earlier, Kursor reported that the Iranian President spoke about the response to the Israeli attack.