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IDF Spokesperson/TPS-IL on 16 June, 2025
Israel Destroys Iranian F-14 Jets at Tehran Airport, Thwarts Drone Launch
Jerusalem, 16 June, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- The Israeli Air Force destroyed a pair of F-14 aircraft at Tehran airport, which were intended, among other things, to intercept Air Force aircraft, the Israel Defense Forces said on Monday.
In addition, the Air Force thwarted an Iranian attempt to launch drones. The IDF added that the Air Force aircraft was able to track the drone squad and identify the launchers in a field.
“In a rapid closing of the circle, the launch squad was eliminated and the launchers were destroyed minutes before they could launch towards the territory of the State of Israel,” the army said.
Iran purchased F-14 jets from the US in the 1970s. Following the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the US cut off all military support, including spare parts and maintenance assistance. Iran still operates a small number of F-14s but analysts question their operational readiness.
Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on Friday, citing intelligence that Tehran had reached “a point of no return” in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. According to Israeli defense officials, Iran has developed the capacity to rapidly enrich uranium and assemble nuclear bombs, with sufficient fissile material for up to 15 weapons.
Israeli intelligence also exposed a covert program to complete all components of a nuclear device. The strikes mark a dramatic escalation in what officials describe as a broader Iranian strategy combining nuclear development, missile proliferation, and proxy warfare aimed at Israel’s destruction.
