Why Israel’s New Air Superiority Means the Iranian Regime Is Effectively Over

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, an IDF spokesperson confirmed Sunday that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed, as Israel's Air Force closes in on control of Tehran's airspacem the political and military nerve center of the Iranian regime.

Air Force Enters "Stand-In" Phase Over Tehran

Twenty-four hours into Operation "Roaring Lion," Israeli fighter jets have transitioned from long-range strikes to flying directly over Tehran and dropping munitions inside the city, according to Belaaz. Unlike the operation's opening wave, in which aircraft released glide bombs from a safe standoff distance, jets are now operating over the capital itself, enabling the use of heavier bombs and a broader range of weaponry.

Over the past day, the Air Force carried out extensive strikes aimed at establishing air superiority and opening a corridor to Tehran for additional Israeli and U.S. aircraft, following the initial wave of leadership-targeted strikes in the capital.

Strategic Significance

Writing for Walla, senior correspondent Amir Buchbot described the broader implications: Tehran is the regime's nerve center, home to its top officials, symbols of power, and command-and-control infrastructure. Neutralizing Iran's air defenses there opens the door not only to air superiority, but to easier strikes on regime targets.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards had reinforced the capital's air defenses following Israeli successes in the earlier "Operation With the Strength of a Lion," deploying additional missile batteries, radar systems, and anti-aircraft assets to protect IRGC command centers. Those layers are now being systematically dismantled.

Beyond the physical capability to strike with precision, Buchbot notes a profound psychological dimension: Iran's remaining leadership, following the elimination of Khamenei and other senior officials, is now fully aware of its own exposure. The implicit message is that they may be next.

Once the Israeli Air Force operates freely over the capital, Iran's ability to function is severely degraded, including movement of ground forces and the regime's capacity to suppress a domestic population reportedly preparing to take to the streets, as any movement risks detection and destruction from the air.

"This is the stage where the war shifts from an exchange of blows to a one-sided hunt," Buchbot wrote, "in which Israel and the United States may be able to dictate the terms of the operation's conclusion."

Walla and Belaaz contributed to this report.