Israel says created 'aerial freedom of action' from west Iran to Tehran

Israel says created 'aerial freedom of action' from west Iran to Tehran

In a significant escalation of tensions, Israel has asserted its ability to operate freely over Tehran, marking the first time Israeli fighter jets have flown over the Iranian capital. This move comes in response to recent missile attacks on Israel's home front, which have killed three people and caused extensive damage.

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that "Tehran will burn" if Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei does not stop the deadly missile attacks. Katz emphasized that the Iranian dictator is turning the citizens of Iran into hostages and creating a reality where they, especially the residents of Tehran, will pay a heavy price for the criminal attack on Israeli civilians [1].

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted the overnight operation, targeting air defenses and related assets in Tehran. The operation, which lasted approximately two and a half hours, involved over 70 IAF fighter jets and drones. Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, IDF Spokesman, stated that the operation was the deepest area in Iran that the IAF has operated in so far, with Tehran no longer immune to Israeli attacks [1].

The strikes on Tehran were part of a broader campaign to disrupt Iran's missile capabilities. The IAF is working to degrade Iran's ability to launch massive ballistic missile barrages on Israel, with fighter jets flying over launch sites. The military released footage showing the identification of Iranian ballistic missile launchers in Tehran before they were targeted in strikes [1].

In addition to the strikes in Tehran, Israeli airstrikes hit key defense and military bases in the northwestern city of Tabriz and parts of the western provinces of Lorestan, Hamedan, and Kermanshah. Two people were killed in an Israeli attack on a missile site in Assadabad in western Iran [1].

The Israeli strikes have also targeted Iran's nuclear program and missile production facilities. The military claims to have destroyed several critical sections at the Isfahan nuclear site, including uranium conversion infrastructure and labs. However, the IDF denied striking the Fordo nuclear facility, despite Iranian state media reporting limited damage [1].

The escalation comes as Israel seeks to protect its citizens from ongoing missile attacks. The military has emphasized the importance of Israel's multi-layered air defense system, but urged Israelis to heed Home Front Command instructions to take shelter in safe rooms and bomb shelters when incoming missile warnings are received.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to escalate their military operations. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with calls for de-escalation and diplomatic efforts underway.

References:
[1] https://www.timesofisrael.com/katz-threatens-tehran-will-burn-after-idf-fighter-jets-fly-over-city-for-first-time/