Israel claims control of Tehran’s skies
Israeli military announced on Monday that it has gained control of the airspace over Tehran, destroying a significant portion of Iran’s surface-to-surface missile launch pads.
According to Military spokesperson Effie Defrin, over 120 Iranian launch pads were targeted and destroyed in overnight strikes involving more than 50 Israeli fighter jets and precision missiles.
Defrin stated that Israel has achieved “full air superiority in the skies over Tehran,” adding that Israeli forces continue to target units attempting to launch missiles or engage Israeli aircraft.
“We thwarted a significant portion of the planned attack,” he said, noting that Iran had launched 65 missiles and dozens of drones, with only about half of the intended arsenal fired.
The conflict has resulted in mounting casualties on both sides.
In Israel, at least 23 people have been killed since Friday, with eight fatalities reported overnight. Emergency services reported 92 injuries, with four strikes hitting the Tel Aviv area.
The US Embassy’s branch office in Tel Aviv sustained minor damage from nearby impacts but reported no injuries.
In Iran, the death toll has reached 224, with over 1,277 injured, according to the Health Ministry. More than 90% of the casualties are civilians. Iranian media reported an Israeli strike on a hospital in Kermanshah, showing a damaged intensive care unit and blood-stained beds.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, vowed harsh retaliation against Tehran, saying, “Residents of Tehran will pay the price and soon.”
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reiterated its aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, warning that strikes will expand further east into Iran.
“We still have difficult days ahead, but we will get through them together and emerge victorious,” Defrin said
