Israel launches massive strikes on Iran, destroying over 70 air defense sites
An F-15 jet releases a flare as it flies over Gaza, as seen from Israel, June 2, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Today, June 17, the Israeli Air Force launched large-scale airstrikes on key Iranian air defense targets. The IDF said it destroyed more than 70 air defense batteries and dozens of missile launchers, paving the way for further strikes deep inside the country.
This was reported by the press service of the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Tomar Bar reported that as part of the special operation, Israeli fighter jets carried out five waves of strikes on Iranian territory.
The main targets were modern radar stations and missile batteries that protected the country’s strategic facilities from IDF strikes.
“We struck more than 70 air defense batteries and 12 missile storage and launch facilities. These strikes weakened Iran’s ability to control the skies,” he said.
The operation was accompanied by close coordination with intelligence, which allowed the identification and striking of key air defense nodes, particularly in western Iran and near strategically important cities.
IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Efi Defrin noted that today’s wave of attacks was the largest yet – 60 combat aircraft took to the air simultaneously.
“We have struck a massive blow to the heart of Iran. Our targets are the ballistic missile launchers that threatened Israel,” he stressed.
According to him, Iran was forced to withdraw its forces deep into the country, in particular to the Isfahan region. However, the IDF is not stopping.
“They have left the west of the country, but we are pursuing them further,” the spokesman concluded.
The main strategic goal of the operation is to gain air superiority and deprive Iran of the ability to launch retaliatory strikes. Analysts note that such tactics are evidence of preparations for a possible new phase of the conflict between Tel Aviv and Tehran.
As a reminder, on the night of Friday, June 13, the Israeli army launched a large-scale operation against Iran and massively attacked nuclear and military facilities. As reported, more than 70 people were killed in an air strike carried out by Israel on the Iranian capital, Tehran.
In addition, a family of Ukrainians from Odessa died as a result of the Iranian attack on Israel on June 14. By the way, US President Donald Trump said that Iran is ready to de-escalate the situation amid the escalating conflict with Israel.
Subsequently, US President Donald Trump sharply escalated his rhetoric towards Iran, demanding its “unconditional surrender” and declaring full United States control over the country’s airspace.
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