Amid escalating hostilities, Israel on Monday launched a series of coordinated airstrikes targeting multiple Iranian military airbases, intensifying an already volatile conflict between the two regional powers.
Israeli fighter jets struck six airports spread across Iran’s western, eastern, and central provinces. According to an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) statement, the strikes caused damage to aircraft, fuel infrastructure, runways, and underground bunkers.
“The strikes damaged runways, underground bunkers, a refuelling plane, and F-14, F-5, and AH-1 aircraft belonging to the Iranian regime,” the IDF said.
“The Air Force disrupted the ability to take off from these airports and the operation of the Iranian army’s air power from them,” it added.
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated its resolve to continue military operations until all “objectives” were fulfilled, although Tel Aviv has yet to specify what constitutes victory in this latest round of conflict.
Also read: Iranian missile hits Tel Aviv after US strikes, injuries reported
Netanyahu said that Israel will “continue bombing Iran” but stopped short of outlining clear strategic goals.
In a social media update, the IDF confirmed that its warplanes were active over Iran’s Kermanshah Province, reportedly striking military infrastructure.
While fending off external aggression, Tehran also appears to be cracking down on suspected foreign espionage within its borders. Iranian authorities have claimed the arrest of "tens" of alleged Mossad agents accused of leaking classified military data.
On Monday, Iran executed a third accused Mossad collaborator, Shayesteh, reportedly “the head of a cyber-team affiliated with Mossad,” arrested in late 2023. Two other suspects were executed earlier this month, one on 16 June and another on 22 June.
Religious observances overshadowed by war
The conflict unfolds just as Iran prepares to observe Muharram, one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar. With the holy period expected to begin on 26 or 27 June, the country’s 93 million citizens brace for a solemn time under the looming shadow of conflict.
Muharram, deeply significant to Shia Muslims, marks the martyrdom of Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the 7th-century Battle of Karbala. Large-scale religious gatherings are planned in mosques across Iran, although the escalating conflict may cast uncertainty over public observances and pilgrimages to Iraq.
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