Israel’s air defenses, including the Arrow missile defense system and fighter jets, have been on high alert since Operation Rising Lion began on June 13, 2025, targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, including the Natanz facility and Tehran’s air defenses. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks, with state media claiming strikes on Israeli military bases, though Israel reports minimal damage due to robust interceptions.
The IDF’s success in neutralizing the drones and missiles underscores Israel’s claim of air superiority, with spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stating that Israeli jets have achieved “full aerial superiority over Tehran’s skies.” This follows reports of degraded Iranian air defenses, including the destruction of S-300 systems and F-14 jets at Tehran’s Mehrabad airport.
Amid the escalating tit-for-tat, Israeli assessments suggest growing chances of U.S. involvement in a potential attack on Iran, according to Bitton Rosen. Unverified reports from Iran International, citing two Israeli security sources, claimed a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran’s fortified Fordow Nuclear Facility could occur as early as Friday night. U.S. military movements, including the deployment of seven KC-46A Pegasus tankers from Travis and Altus Air Force Bases and C-17 Globemasters heading to U.S. Central Command bases, indicate preparations for possible long-range B-2 Spirit bomber missions carrying GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs, designed to target deeply buried sites like Fordow. Whiteman Air Force Base, home to the B-2 fleet, reopened ahead of schedule, further signaling readiness.
However, no official U.S. or Israeli confirmation of a joint strike has emerged, and the Biden administration has historically urged restraint to avoid broader conflict. Iranian civilians, meanwhile, face mounting fear, with reports of at least 224 deaths, including civilians, from Israeli strikes on Tehran and other cities. Claims on X that Iranians are calmly watching IDF jets, believing they are safe from targeted strikes, lack credible evidence and are contradicted by accounts of panic and evacuations.
As Israel braces for potential Iranian retaliation, the region teeters on the edge of further escalation. The IDF remains vigilant, with Defense Minister Israel Katz vowing to destabilize the Iranian regime and thwart its nuclear ambitions.
Note: Reports of a potential U.S.-Israeli strike on Fordow and assessments of U.S. involvement are unverified and should be treated with caution until officially confirmed.
