TEL AVIV (CONVERSEER) – The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed Saturday that its air force targeted and struck three Iranian F-14 fighter jets in central Iran, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries. Fox News reports.
“An air force aircraft recently attacked three Iranian military F14 fighter jets in central Iran,” the IDF originally wrote in Hebrew in a post on X.
The military also released video footage from the operation, showing the precision airstrike on what appear to be parked aircraft.
In addition to the F-14 strike, Israeli fighter jets are currently engaged in further attacks on military infrastructure elsewhere in central Iran. The IDF has not provided additional details about those ongoing strikes.
The move follows a wave of IDF operations targeting Iranian missile launchers, UAVs, and military installations over the past 48 hours.
IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the forces’ 136th Aerial Defence Battalion on Friday, thanking the troops for protecting Israeli civilians from ongoing missile and drone attacks launched by Iran and its allies.
Zamir was joined by Brig. Gen. ‘G’, the Commander of the Aerial Defence Array.
“We are hunting their launchers,” Zamir said. “(Friday), we intercepted three of four launchers just minutes before launch and neutralised them using our systems directly over their heads.”
He praised the soldiers for their efforts and said the world is watching. “The entire world is watching your performance, our performance, and this array’s performance with extraordinary admiration.”
Zamir emphasised the importance of their work. “Without your work, the damage to Israel’s home front and our infrastructure would have been catastrophic,” he said.
“You are saving lives. You are defending the people of Israel. You are a vital shield for this nation,” he added.
He ended with a warning to Israel’s enemies: “Anyone who threatens or challenges the State of Israel will pay a heavy price.”
The IDF’s air defence units have played a key role in recent weeks, intercepting missiles and drones as the conflict with Iran continues.
The Iranian government is yet to respond publicly.
China has introduced a four-point proposal at the United Nations Security Council meeting.
The United States Embassy in Iraq has urged Americans to avoid the country after Iran targets US interests there.
Also, the US Embassy in Jerusalem has extended its closure as the State Department updates travel information.
