The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday said it had destroyed two Iranian fighter jets and eight ballistic missile launchers in a sweeping overnight operation that targeted dozens of military installations across Iran. The strikes, carried out by 20 Israeli fighter jets, reportedly hit key sites including Dezful and Isfahan airports.According to the IDF, the Israeli Air Force bombed two Iranian F-5 fighter jets at Dezful Airport, while missile launchers prepared for imminent strikes on Israel were also neutralised. “This morning, the IAF struck missile launchers ready to launch toward Israeli territory, soldiers in the Iranian Armed Forces, and swiftly neutralised the launchers that launched missiles toward Israel,” the IDF said in a statement.Additional targets included explosive production sites, weapons storage and air defence systems. Military infrastructure at Isfahan Airport was also hit to prevent the Iranian Air Force from using the facility.The escalation came just hours after the United States entered the fray, striking three nuclear sites in Iran — Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz — in a coordinated effort with Israel. President Donald Trump declared that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “completely and fully obliterated,” although no independent damage assessment has yet been released.Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation confirmed the attacks but said its programme would continue. The UN nuclear watchdog reported no signs of radioactive leakage but confirmed it would continue monitoring.Following the US strikes, Iran launched a retaliatory barrage of 40 missiles targeting Israeli cities, including Haifa and Tel Aviv. Over 80 people were reportedly injured. Israel said it had “swiftly neutralised” the launchers responsible and began a new wave of strikes on western Iran.Trump described the joint offensive as a historic moment. “We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran… All planes are safely on their way home,” he posted online.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US President’s bold move, calling it a decision that “will change history.”Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the attacks, warning that the US had “launched a dangerous war” and reserved the right to respond “with full force.”The situation has sparked growing international concern, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling the strikes a “dangerous escalation” and warning of “catastrophic consequences.”
