WATCH: IDF releases details of damage to Iran’s nuclear, missile production sites
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
‘Operation Rising Lion Hit Iran’s Nuclear Facilities, Killed Key Scientists, Destroyed Launchers’: Israel Defense Forces
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday announced that its 12-day military operation against Iran resulted in significant damage to three of the country’s main nuclear facilities. Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’ on June 13 intending to damage the Iranian nuclear and missile projects following the identification of progress in the programmes. The ultimate goal of the programmes was to “destroy the State of Israel’, according to the Israeli military. The Israeli Air Force carried out 1,500 sorties and about 600 refuellings were made en route to Iran. Hundreds of Iranian military forces were eliminated, dozens of commanders were attacked and more than 30 senior members of the Iranian regime’s security apparatus were thwarted, the IDF stated. Israel has removed a dual immediate existential threat – both in the nuclear domain and in the ballistic missile domain, the statement read.
Tel Aviv: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday announced that its 12-day military operation against Iran resulted in significant damage to three of the country’s main nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, dealing a major blow to the Iranian regime’s nuclear infrastructure.
The IDF asserted that Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’ on June 13 intending to damage the Iranian nuclear and missile projects following the identification of progress in the three programmes whose ultimate goal was to “destroy the State of Israel”.
“Operation Rising Lion will be remembered in history as one of Israel’s most daring and successful operations.”
🎥 Watch IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Eyal Zamir speaking about the stunning military operation against Iran: pic.twitter.com/eIbK2tQQ3f — Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) June 27, 2025
According to the Israeli military, to thwart the future of the program, 11 senior nuclear scientists who were central knowledge centres in the Iranian weapons group were eliminated, and the inactive nuclear reactor at Arak was also attacked to prevent its future use.
“The key building blocks of the missile manufacturing industry were attacked. More than 35 sites were attacked, 200 launchers and 50 per cent of all the Iranian regime’s launchers were completely destroyed. In total, more than 1,500 components, 15 enemy aircraft, more than 90 targets 80 surface-to-air missile launchers and 6 airfields were attacked. Hundreds of Iranian military forces were eliminated, dozens of commanders were attacked and more than 30 senior members of the Iranian regime’s security apparatus were thwarted,” read a statement issued by the IDF.
The IDF noted that throughout the operation it created increasing achievement and complete freedom of aerial action in the heart of Iran and fully met the objectives defined for the operation.
“Throughout the entire operation, high-quality and accurate intelligence, along with operational, technological and aerial capabilities, were evident. And alongside the entire offensive effort, the defence systems operated day and night,” the IDF stated.
Furthermore, the Israeli military mentioned that creating air superiority in Iranian skies, “the Israeli Air Force carried out 1,500 sorties and about 600 refuellings were made en route to Iran.”
“In the entire operation, 1,400 strikes were carried out by the fighter formation and 500 by the UAV formation, and the furthest of them was carried out at Mashhad airport, about 2,400 km from Israel, by a fighter jet. In addition, hundreds of interceptions of anti-aircraft missiles and drones were carried out. In total, 99per cent of the drones launched from Iran were intercepted,” said the IDF.
The Israeli military noted that during the 12-day operation, the Home Front Command, rescue and recovery forces operated in more than 170 locations across the country.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel has accepted a ceasefire proposal with Iran, marking the end of 12 days of intense hostilities between the two regional rivals.
In an official statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu declared that Israel had met all strategic goals of its military campaign, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, and even exceeded expectations.
“Israel had achieved all the objectives of Operation Rising Lion, and even far beyond that. Israel has removed a dual immediate existential threat – both in the nuclear domain and in the ballistic missile domain,” the statement read.
Disclaimer: This is a syndicated feed. The article is not edited by the FPJ editorial team.
U.S. claims strikes caused ‘severe damage’ and warns Iran against retaliation
People who had evacuated were returning to Tehran after what had felt like two days of relative calm. But that sense of calm was proved false by the U.S. strikes last night. Now, there’s heightened security entering Tehran: multiple checkpoints along the roads.
Instead, that sense of calm was proved false by the U.S. strikes last night.
Downtown Tehran yesterday. Morteza Nikoubazl / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Now, there’s heightened security entering Tehran: multiple checkpoints along the roads, and cars are being thoroughly searched to identify any potential internal threats. The people who are returning are not doing it because it feels safe, but because they have to.
Inside Tehran, most places are still closed. Only essential medical services are running and maybe a few drugstores for urgent needs. Government jobs are on hold, some private companies are working remotely, and factories are opening if their workers are willing to return. Many are scared for their lives, and the city remains mostly empty and eerie, more empty even than during the pandemic.
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Israel hits Iran nuclear site and kills October 7 mastermind in latest wave of attacks: live updates
Saeed Izadi, who led the Palestine Corps of the Quds Force, was killed in a strike in an apartment in the Iranian city of Qom. Israel said on Saturday it had also hit a nuclear enrichment site in Isfahan, Iran for the second time since strikes began. It comes after a 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit northern Iran today as Israel pounded the country with repeated waves of air strikes.
The state warned the conflict will be prolonged as US President Donald Trump said Iran could launch a nuclear war in just ‘weeks’ due to its nuclear capabilities.
Saeed Izadi, who led the Palestine Corps of the Quds Force, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ overseas arm, was killed in a strike in an apartment in the Iranian city of Qom, said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Calling his killing a ‘major achievement for Israeli intelligence and the Air Force’, Katz said in a statement that Izadi had financed and armed the Palestinian militant group Hamas ahead of its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said: ‘It is a tremendous amount of material, and I think within a matter of weeks or certainly within a matter of months, they will be able to have a nuclear weapon, and we can’t let that happen.’
Israel said on Saturday it had also hit a nuclear enrichment site in Isfahan, Iran for the second time since strikes began.
It comes after a 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit northern Iran today as Israel pounded the country with repeated waves of air strikes.
The quake struck at a depth of six miles, some 23 miles southwest of the city of Semnan, the USGS said, the US Geological Survey said.
State television said the earthquake measured 5.5 and ‘shook the area around the city of Sorkheh in Semnan province’.
It said the tremor was also felt in the capital Tehran, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Sorkheh. Official news agency IRNA reported no casualties and only ‘minimal damage’.
Live updates below
IDF’s precision hit destroys Iran’s F-14s at Isfahan airbase
Israeli forces launched a precision strike on Isfahan’s Shahid Babaei Air Base, targeting three F-14 Tomcat jets parked on the tarmac. Israel employed a combination of advanced drones and possibly F-35I Adir stealth fighters, delivering precision-guided munitions that obliterated the aircraft. Iran acquired 79 Tomcats before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but sanctions and embargoes have limited maintenance, leaving only a fraction operational. The Tomcats’ variable-sweep wings and AWG-9 radar, once cutting-edge, now struggle against modern adversaries. The operation follows days of Israeli airstrikes across Iran, suggesting a coordinated effort to cripple key military assets. The June 2025 attack escalates Israel-Iran tensions, with Iran launching 100 drones toward Israel, most intercepted by Israeli defenses. The strike also exposed Iran’S limited air response, while the event exposed Iran’s limited air vulnerabilities. The attack also highlighted Israel’s technological edge, and the potential consequences shaping regional dynamics.
Photo credit: IDF video via X
Summary
– Israeli Air Force strikes destroy three Iranian F-14 Tomcats.
– Precision drones and jets showcase Israel’s advanced technology.
– The June 2025 attack escalates Israel-Iran tensions.
– Iran’s aging air force suffers a significant blow.
– The operation targets Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities.
On June 21, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] released dramatic footage showing their airstrikes demolishing three Iranian F-14 Tomcat fighter jets at an airbase in Isfahan, Iran. This bold operation, part of the broader “Operation Rising Lion,” marks a significant escalation in the tense rivalry between Israel and Iran. The strike showcases Israel’s advanced military capabilities and underscores the strategic importance of neutralizing Iran’s aging but symbolic air assets.
This article dives into the technical details of the operation, compares the military technologies involved, and explores the geopolitical ripple effects, offering a clear picture of what this event means for the Middle East and beyond. Readers will uncover the strike’s execution, the F-14’s role in Iran’s air force, Israel’s technological edge, and the potential consequences shaping regional dynamics.
What happened in Isfahan on June 21, 2025?
Footage of Israeli forces destroying three more Iranian F-14 Tomcats on the ground. pic.twitter.com/2FFfeUqF4W — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 21, 2025
Israeli forces launched a precision strike on Isfahan’s Shahid Babaei Air Base, targeting three F-14 Tomcat jets parked on the tarmac. The IDF employed a combination of advanced drones and possibly F-35I Adir stealth fighters, delivering precision-guided munitions that obliterated the aircraft. IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed the operation, emphasizing Israel’s ability to penetrate Iranian airspace with minimal resistance.
The released footage, captured by infrared targeting systems, shows the jets erupting in flames, highlighting the strike’s accuracy. Isfahan, located in central Iran, hosts critical military infrastructure, making it a prime target for Israel’s campaign to degrade Iran’s air capabilities. The operation followed days of Israeli airstrikes across Iran, suggesting a coordinated effort to cripple key military assets.
The targeted F-14 Tomcats
IDF:
We attacked 3 Iranian F-14 Tomcat fighter jets. — Clash Report (@clashreport) June 21, 2025
The F-14 Tomcat, a U.S.-designed interceptor from the 1970s, remains a cornerstone of Iran’s air force despite its age. Iran acquired 79 Tomcats before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but sanctions and embargoes have limited maintenance, leaving only a fraction operational. Based primarily at Shahid Babaei Air Base, these jets serve air defense and interception roles, leveraging their long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles.
However, analysts estimate Iran maintains just 20–24 airworthy F-14s, with many grounded due to part shortages. The three destroyed jets likely included non-operational airframes, but their loss still delivers a symbolic blow, as Iran relies on cannibalizing parts to keep others flying. The Tomcats’ variable-sweep wings and AWG-9 radar, once cutting-edge, now struggle against modern adversaries.
Immediate reactions and fallout
Iranian officials swiftly condemned the strike, with state media asserting no damage occurred to nearby nuclear facilities. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called the attack a violation of sovereignty, hinting at retaliatory measures but offering no specifics. Internationally, reactions varied: U.S. officials reiterated their non-involvement while urging de-escalation, Russia criticized Israel’s aggression, and the U.N. called for restraint.
The strike intensified regional tensions, with Iran launching over 100 drones toward Israel, most intercepted by Israeli and allied defenses. The operation’s success emboldened Israel’s narrative of air superiority, while Iran’s limited air response exposed vulnerabilities. Social media amplified the event, with IDF footage going viral, shaping public perception of Israel’s military prowess.
Technical breakdown: F-14 Tomcat vs. modern fighters
Northrop Grumman developed the F-14 Tomcat for the U.S. Navy, delivering a twin-engine fighter with a top speed of Mach 2.34 and a range of 1,864 miles. Its variable-geometry wings adapt for high-speed intercepts or low-speed dogfights, while the AWG-9 radar tracks multiple targets at long ranges.
Iran’s F-14s, acquired in the 1970s, saw action in the Iran-Iraq War, but decades of isolation have degraded their capabilities. Iran reverse-engineered parts and upgraded some jets with domestic avionics, yet maintenance challenges persist. The Tomcat’s iconic status, boosted by films like Top Gun, contrasts with its operational limitations against modern threats.
Comparing Israel’s F-15I Ra’am and F-35I Adir
Israel’s air force likely deployed F-15I Ra’am or F-35I Adir jets, both vastly superior to the F-14. The F-15I, a customized Boeing strike fighter, reaches Mach 2.5, boasts a 2,485-mile range, and carries advanced AIM-120 missiles and guided bombs. The F-35I, a Lockheed Martin stealth platform, prioritizes survivability with advanced sensors and low radar visibility, though its top speed is Mach 1.6. The following table illustrates the technological gap:
Feature F-14 Tomcat (Iran) F-15I Ra’am (Israel) F-35I Adir (Israel) Product Year 1970s 1990s 2010s Top Speed Mach 2.34 Mach 2.5 Mach 1.6 Range ~1,864 miles ~2,485 miles ~1,367 miles Armament AIM-54 missiles AIM-120, bombs Precision Weapons Stealth Technology None Limited Advanced Role in Operation Target Likely Participant Likely Participant
Israel’s jets excel in precision, stealth, and electronic warfare, rendering Iran’s F-14s vulnerable. The F-35I’s ability to evade radar likely enabled undetected penetration of Iranian airspace, while the F-15I’s payload capacity ensured devastating strikes.
Drones’ role in the strike
Israel likely used IAI Harop or Hermes 900 drones, which offer loitering capabilities and precision strikes. These unmanned systems bypass Iran’s air defenses, such as the S-300, by exploiting low radar signatures and electronic countermeasures. Drones provide real-time intelligence, allowing Israel to target stationary assets like the F-14s with minimal risk. Iran’s air defenses, hampered by outdated technology and recent Israeli strikes on radar sites, failed to counter the attack effectively. This operation highlights the growing role of drones in modern warfare, offering cost-effective solutions for high-risk missions.
Geopolitical context: Israel and Iran’s rivalry
Israel and Iran’s animosity traces back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which shifted Iran from a U.S. ally to an adversary. Israel has since targeted Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and conducted covert operations, including assassinations of nuclear scientists. Iran, in turn, supports anti-Israel groups and pursues a nuclear program Israel views as an existential threat. Recent strikes on Iranian assets in Syria and nuclear facilities like Natanz set the stage for the Isfahan operation, reflecting Israel’s proactive stance.
Operation Rising Lion and Iran’s nuclear ambitions
The Isfahan strike aligns with “Operation Rising Lion,” launched after the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran non-compliant with nuclear obligations on June 12, 2025. Isfahan hosts not only the airbase but also a uranium conversion facility, making it a dual-purpose target. Israel aims to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weaponization efforts, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting the campaign will continue until Iran’s capabilities are dismantled. The strike on the F-14s weakens Iran’s ability to defend its nuclear sites, amplifying Israel’s strategic pressure.
Global players and regional stakes
The U.S., while not participating, provided intelligence and missile defense support, reinforcing its alliance with Israel. Russia and China condemned the strikes, citing risks to global stability, while Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states monitor the conflict warily, fearing Iranian retaliation. The operation disrupted oil markets, with prices spiking due to fears of Iranian strikes on energy infrastructure. The conflict’s escalation threatens broader regional involvement, complicating diplomatic efforts to revive nuclear talks.
Isfahan airbase: A strategic target
Shahid Babaei Air Base, located near Isfahan, serves as a primary hub for Iran’s F-14 fleet and maintenance operations. Its central location enables rapid deployment to protect key cities and nuclear sites. The base’s infrastructure includes hardened shelters and repair facilities, though recent strikes exposed vulnerabilities. Historically, it played a critical role in the Iran-Iraq War, underscoring its enduring importance to Iran’s air force.
Why Israel targeted Isfahan
The F-14s, despite their age, pose a potential threat to Israeli aircraft due to their long-range missiles. Destroying them reduces Iran’s air defense capabilities, facilitating further Israeli operations. Intelligence likely pinpointed the jets’ location, with non-operational airframes still valuable for spare parts. The strike also sends a message: Israel can hit deep within Iran with impunity. Isfahan’s proximity to nuclear facilities suggests a broader campaign to neutralize multiple threats in one region.
⭕️The IDF struck F-14 fighter jets belonging to the Iranian Armed Forced in central Iran.
Additionally, IAF fighter jets are currently striking military infrastructure in central Iran. pic.twitter.com/N8ZvKYzuY0 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 21, 2025
Damage assessment and recovery prospects
The strike obliterated three F-14s, with satellite imagery showing significant damage to the tarmac and nearby structures. Iran’s ability to replace these jets is limited, as sanctions block access to new aircraft or parts. Repairing the base’s infrastructure is feasible, but restoring airworthiness to the F-14 fleet will take years if not decades. The operation exposes Iran’s reliance on outdated technology, weakening its deterrence posture.
Consequences and future scenarios
Losing three F-14s further depletes Iran’s air force, already stretched thin by maintenance challenges. With only a handful of operational jets remaining, Iran’s ability to contest airspace is severely compromised. Modernization efforts, such as acquiring Russian Su-35s, face delays due to sanctions and financial constraints. The strike forces Iran to rely more on drones and missiles, which are less effective against Israel’s multilayered defenses.
Geopolitical ramifications
The operation risks escalating the Israel-Iran conflict, with Iran threatening missile strikes or cyberattacks. However, Iran’s weakened proxies, like Hezbollah, limit its retaliatory options. The strike derails nuclear negotiations, as Iran’s Foreign Minister ruled out talks amid ongoing attacks. Regional powers may align more openly with Israel or Iran, polarizing the Middle East further. Global energy markets remain volatile, with potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz looming.
Potential outcomes
Iran could respond with targeted strikes on Israeli cities, proxy attacks via the Houthis, or cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. A broader conflict involving U.S. or Gulf allies remains a risk, though diplomatic pressure may contain escalation. In the long term, Israel’s campaign may delay Iran’s nuclear program but harden Tehran’s resolve to pursue it covertly. The region faces a precarious balance, with de-escalation hinging on international mediation.
Expert insights on the strike
Defense analysts commend Israel’s precision and intelligence-driven approach, noting the operation’s minimal collateral damage. Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Davis told Business Insider the F-14 strikes were a “brilliant move” to neutralize potential threats early. Experts highlight Israel’s integration of drones and stealth jets as a model for modern air campaigns, contrasting with Iran’s outdated defenses.
Media coverage and information challenges
Iranian media minimized the strike’s impact, claiming no significant damage, while IDF footage painted a decisive victory. Social media amplified both narratives, with X posts spreading unverified claims, such as Iran downing an Israeli F-35, which Israel dismissed. The information war underscores the need for verified sources, as conflicting reports shape global perceptions.
A neutral perspective
Independent analysts argue Israel’s air superiority exposes Iran’s military vulnerabilities but risks long-term escalation. The strike achieves tactical goals but may not dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions entirely. Diplomacy, rather than military action, offers the best path to stability, though current tensions make negotiations unlikely. The operation reinforces Israel’s deterrence but leaves the region on edge.
What’s next for the region?
Israel’s strike on Iran’s F-14 Tomcats in Isfahan delivers a powerful message: its air force can strike deep within Iran, targeting symbolic and strategic assets with precision. The operation exposes Iran’s military weaknesses while reinforcing Israel’s technological dominance.
Yet, the strike risks escalating a volatile conflict, with Iran’s response shaping the region’s future. As tensions simmer, global powers and regional players face a critical moment to pursue de-escalation or brace for broader conflict. Stay informed as the Middle East navigates this pivotal juncture, and share your thoughts on the Israel-Iran rivalry in the comments below.
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