Click to see full-size image. (Israeli Defense Forces)
Late on June 21, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched another wave of strikes against Iran, targeting fighter jets and drone storage sites.
Some 60 fighter jets of the IAF launched strikes in central Iran, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said in a press conference, adding that strikes destroyed three more American-made F-14 fighter jets of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force on the ground.
Last week, Israeli strikes in the Iranian capital, Tehran, destroyed two F-14s. However, all five fighter jets destroyed so far were not reportedly operational.
Separately, the IDF announced that drone storage facilities and other weapon depots in Bandar Abbas in southern Iran were also struck.
Click to see full-size image. Via Telegram.
Click to see full-size image. Via Telegram.
The attack launched by Israel on June 13 to cripple Iran’s nuclear program appears to have reached a stalemate in recent days, with the IDF reattacking some nuclear sites in addition to launching strikes against secondary military targets and conducting more assassinations.
Still, Israel appears to be determined to expand the attack, codenamed Operation Rising Lion, according to some reports.
Reuters reported on June 21 that Israeli officials had told the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump that they do not want to wait two weeks for Iran to reach a deal to dismantle key parts of its nuclear program.
Two sources familiar with the matter told the news agency that Israel had communicated its concerns to Trump administration officials on June 19 in what they described as a tense phone call.
The Israelis believe they have a limited window of opportunity to move against the deeply buried site at Fordow, the crown jewel of Iran’s nuclear program, said the sources. The U.S. is the only country with the bunker-busting bombs powerful enough to reach the facility, which reportedly lies some 80-90 meters underground.
It is unclear how Israel could attack Fordow without U.S. support. The Israelis certainly has a plan, possibly one that involves the Mossad spy agency, not the IDF.
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