In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel has asserted complete aerial dominance over Tehran, marking a pivotal shift in the confrontation between the two regional powers. According to Israeli military officials, the Air Force achieved full control of the Iranian capital’s airspace, crippling Iran’s missile capabilities through a series of concentrated overnight strikes
Over 120 ballistic missile launchers—roughly one-third of Iran’s estimated arsenal—have been destroyed since the beginning of hostilities. Most notably, in the latest round of operations, Israeli forces intercepted 20 missiles mid-preparation before they could be launched. Fifty Israeli fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles also targeted dozens of Iranian military sites, including storage facilities and command centers used to coordinate missile launches.
The scale and precision of the air campaign suggest a coordinated attempt to neutralize Iran’s ability to mount sustained long-range attacks. Israeli defense sources claim that Iran had intended to launch more than double the number of missiles fired overnight, but the majority were either intercepted or never made it off the ground.
Despite the success of the defensive and preemptive strikes, not all incoming threats were neutralized. Two major missile barrages launched by Iran resulted in three direct hits, killing eight civilians in central and northern Israel. Infrastructure damage was reported in cities such as Petah Tikva, Haifa, and Bnei Brak. Hundreds more were injured in the strikes, underscoring the human cost of the intensifying war.
In tandem with air superiority operations over Tehran, the Israeli Air Force conducted significant strikes across other strategic Iranian locations, including over 100 targets in and around Isfahan. These included weapons storage bunkers, oil facilities, and military intelligence centers.
While military success on the battlefield appears to be mounting, diplomatic channels are reportedly opening behind the scenes. According to regional observers, Iran has signaled a willingness to negotiate a cessation of hostilities, with messages conveyed to both Israel and the United States. Whether these overtures will lead to a ceasefire or further escalate into broader confrontation remains uncertain.
The Israeli government has continued to signal a hardline stance, with officials stating that the country remains committed to dismantling Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. Civilian evacuation warnings have been issued in parts of Tehran, suggesting further strikes may be imminent.
Meanwhile, with air travel suspended and 150,000 Israelis still stranded abroad, national efforts are underway to organize return routes via sea and coordinated flights from third countries. International airports remain under tight restrictions amid concerns they could become strategic targets.
