Why it matters: The destruction of the equipment severely damages Iran’s ability to renew its missile stockpile and could deter Iran from further massive missile strikes against Israel, the sources said.
- The sources said Israel hit 12 “planetary mixers” used to produce solid fuel for long-range ballistic missiles, whichmake up the bulk of Iran’s missile arsenal.
- A senior U.S. official confirmed that the strike cripples Iran’s missile production capability.
Between the lines: The Israeli sources said the mixers are highly sophisticated equipment that Iran cannot produce on its own and must purchase from China.
- Remanufacturing the mixers could take at least a year, the sources said.
Driving the news: Israeli sources said the attack also hit four S-300 air defense batteries that were in strategic locations and protected Tehran and nuclear and energy facilities in Iran.