
The F-35’s key role in the war against Iran
In addition to its fighter jets, Israel’s fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles achieved what the Defense Ministry described as missions of ‘unprecedented reach.’
In addition to its fighter jets, Israel’s fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles achieved what the Defense Ministry described as missions of ‘unprecedented reach.’
In addition to the strikes on Houthi ports, the Ras Kantib power station was attacked, the IDF said, due to its use by the Houthi regime for supplying electricity to terrorist operations.
Israel’s Operation Rising Lion shattered Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, eliminated top commanders and scientists, and pulled off the most daring long-range operations in its history—sending a clear message: Israel will hit first, fast, and hard.
Crucial to the success of Israel’s operation was the introduction of the Ofek 13 satellite, which was introduced in 2023.
The announcement came amid reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to travel to Washington next Sunday.
‘We’re doing this so that our children, and all of Israel’s children, can have a safer future.’
Operation Rising Lion destroyed Iran’s near-complete nuclear program, decimated its senior leadership, eliminated the ballistic missile threat, and halted further production of missiles, ensuring Israel’s current and future survival.
Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Air Force fighter jets crossed into Iranian territory to strike missile storage facilities located approximately 2,200 kilometers (1,360 miles) away in the Yazd region.
At least 15 Iranian fighter jets and helicopters were destroyed during the strikes, the IDF said, with attacks in western, eastern, and central Iran.
The strikes came hours after U.S. bombers joined the attack, hitting nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz.
Shadmani had assumed his role just four days prior, replacing Maj. Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, who was killed in the opening salvo of Operation Rising Lion on June 13.
More than 1,100 Iranian assets have been targeted in hundreds of sorties since Israel’s lightning strikes began early Friday.
Beyond nuclear infrastructure, the airstrikes targeted an array of Iranian military manufacturing capabilities.
The sweeping campaign has crippled nearly half of Iran’s missile launchers, neutralized elite forces, and now promises even deadlier blows to the regime’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
The IDF reports that during the first hour of the strike, the three highest-ranking military officials in the Iranian regime were confirmed killed.
Since the launch of Operation Rising Lion, Israeli refueling aircraft have conducted over 600 in-air fuelings, enabling sustained fighter jet operations across Iranian airspace and ensuring continuous pressure on key military targets.
Local Iranian media reported that the IAF also targeted Imam Hossein University in eastern Tehran, an educational institution affiliated with the IRGC.
Alongside attacks on missile systems, the IAF continues to strike terror targets across Tehran, including regime offices and assets used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Before his predecessor’s assassination, Shadmani served as deputy commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Emergency Command and as head of the Operations Division of the Iranian General Staff.
Adding to the pressure was the classified nature of the mission, meaning that N. could not tell his wife or other family members about the danger he was facing.