Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Iran has claimed to have shot down three Israeli F-35 fighter jets and detained two Israeli pilots. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have denied these claims. According to a report by Iran’s state-run Tehran Times, citing a military statement, one fighter jet was downed on Saturday, and two others were shot down on Friday. It is believed that one pilot was killed in the incidents, while the other two are in Iranian custody. Iran claims these actions were in retaliation for Israeli strikes on its nuclear and military facilities. No independent sources have verified these claims.
Israel’s Attack and Operation Rising Lion
Israel launched extensive strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and military commanders early Friday, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion." In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes aimed to destroy Iran’s nuclear weapon capabilities and eliminate threats to Israel’s existence. He claimed that the main nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz was hit, damaging critical infrastructure and electrical substations. Iranian media confirmed the deaths of senior military commander Hossein Salami, nuclear scientist Fereidoun Abbasi, and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, among others.
Israel deployed approximately 200 warplanes, including F-35, F-16, and F-15 jets, in the operation. Reports suggest Iran’s air defense systems failed to mount significant resistance. Israel claims none of its aircraft were damaged. However, Iran alleges it downed two Israeli jets and detained a female pilot, a claim the IDF has rejected.
Iran’s Retaliatory Strikes
In response to Israel’s attacks, Iran fired over 100 ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel on Saturday. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with air raid sirens sounding across the cities. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it targeted Israeli military centers and airbases. The IDF stated that its air defense systems intercepted most of the missiles, but some struck near Ben Gurion Airport in the Ramat Gan area, causing damage. At least three people were killed, and dozens injured in the attacks, according to reports.
Iran’s Warning: Threat of Attacks on U.S., British, and French Bases
Iran has warned that if the United States, United Kingdom, or France intervene on Israel’s behalf and attempt to intercept Iranian missiles, their regional military bases and naval ships will become targets. BBC reported this threat, citing Iranian state media. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for Israel but called on Iran to return to nuclear negotiations. The UK has not yet responded, and reports indicate it has not engaged in any military actions or joined efforts to defend Israel.
Ben Gurion Airport Closure
Due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, Israel’s main international airport, Ben Gurion, has been closed indefinitely. According to Al Jazeera, quoting airport spokesperson Lisa Diver, no timeline has been set for reopening. Check-in counters and passenger lounges are empty, with flight information boards showing all flights canceled. Israeli airline El Al has relocated its fleet to Europe. Iran has also closed its airspace, prompting airlines like Air India and Lufthansa to cancel flights or reroute. Meanwhile, regional countries like Lebanon and Jordan have begun reopening their airspace as of Saturday.
Israeli Defense Minister’s Warning
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Iran on Saturday, stating that if Iran continues missile attacks on Israel, Tehran will be "set ablaze" in retaliation. Quoted by AFP, Katz said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is holding the country’s people hostage, creating a situation that will cost Tehran’s residents dearly. He added, “If Iran persists in firing missiles at Israeli territory, Tehran will be destroyed.”
International Reactions
* United States: President Trump reiterated support for Israel but urged Iran to resume nuclear talks. He warned that failure to comply could lead to "even more brutal" Israeli strikes. U.S. warplanes and naval forces are deployed in the Middle East but have not directly engaged in the conflict.
* China: China’s UN representative, Fu Cong, expressed "deep concern" over the situation, condemning Israel’s strikes as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and calling for diplomatic solutions.
* Russia: Russia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Israel’s attacks, viewing them as escalating regional conflict.
* Jordan: Jordan stated it would not tolerate violations of its airspace and refused to be drawn into the conflict.
Impact and Concerns
The conflict has raised fears of a broader war in the Middle East. Iran’s proxy groups, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, are already weakened, limiting Iran’s retaliatory capacity. However, Iran’s missile attacks and Israel’s ongoing strikes are fueling regional instability. The UN Security Council has called an emergency meeting, where Iran’s representative, Amir Saeed Iravani, claimed 78 people were killed and over 320 injured in Israel’s strikes.
The conflict is also impacting the global economy, with rising oil prices and disruptions to commercial aviation. Iran’s currency, the rial, has depreciated amid recent pressures. Tehran’s residents are gripped by panic, as Friday’s strikes caused widespread explosions and earthquake-like conditions in the capital.
Conclusion
The tit-for-tat attacks between Iran and Israel have reached a dangerous stage, posing a threat to regional and global peace. Despite efforts by the U.S. and its allies to avoid involvement, the situation could escalate further at any moment. Diplomatic efforts by the international community are now critical to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control.
Post a Comment