Investigation Reveals Iran Struck Secret US-Israeli Command Center in Tel Aviv

Secret Bunker Uncovered Beneath Tel Aviv Residential Complex

An investigation by the U.S.-based website The Grayzone has revealed that a missile strike by Iran on June 13, 2025, in Tel Aviv, directly impacted a highly secretive underground military command center. This facility, known as 'Site 81' or 'Base 81,' is reportedly operated jointly by Israel and the United States and was concealed beneath the upscale Da Vinci apartment complex in a densely populated area of central Tel Aviv.

The revelation stems from a detailed geolocation analysis, alongside leaked emails, public documents, and Hebrew reports. The strike occurred during a period of heightened conflict, referred to as the '12-day war' between Iran and Israel in June 2025, which saw Iran launch retaliatory missile strikes following earlier Israeli actions.

Details of 'Site 81' and Its Construction

According to the investigation, Site 81 is a hyper-secretive intelligence base and a critical command and control node. It features advanced electromagnetic shielding and highly restricted access, designed to ensure uninterrupted communications and resilience against various attacks. The facility was constructed with significant U.S. financial and technical support, with U.S. companies involved in its design and construction as early as 2011. Records indicate that the project involved an expansion to approximately 6,000 square meters.

The Grayzone's analysis pinpointed the bunker's location directly beneath the Da Vinci Towers, situated near HaKirya, Israel's Defense Ministry headquarters, and the Azrieli Center. This placement, adjacent to civilian infrastructure including a children's playground and community center, has raised concerns about the military's practice of embedding sensitive installations within urban areas.

Immediate Aftermath and Censorship

Following the missile strike on June 13, Israeli authorities swiftly cordoned off the affected area, preventing journalists from filming or approaching the sites. Reports indicate that a Fox News reporter, Trey Yingst, was aggressively moved away by Israeli security forces while attempting to cover the damage near the HaKirya compound. This immediate media blackout contributed to a lack of public information regarding the precise targets and extent of the damage.

The incident has sparked debate regarding Israel's alleged use of civilian areas to shield military targets, a practice that critics argue violates international humanitarian law. Satellite imagery of the Da Vinci Towers and surrounding areas remains heavily censored on platforms like Google Maps, further highlighting the sensitivity of the site.

Broader Context of the June 2025 Conflict

The June 13 strike was part of a larger exchange of hostilities. During the '12-day war,' Iran targeted multiple locations in Israel, including universities and other strategic sites. Israeli media reports, despite heavy censorship, acknowledged significant Iranian missile hits on IDF bases and strategic locations, emphasizing the precision of the Iranian attacks. The conflict also saw Israel launch a wide-scale military operation against Iran on June 13, 2025, striking targets across multiple Iranian provinces.