Israel attacks six Iran airfields, destroys an F-14 jet, and multiple helicopters

Jerusalem: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they had conducted airstrikes on six Iranian military airbases, reportedly destroying 15 fighter jets and helicopters.

According to the IDF, the targeted aircraft — including F-14s, F-5s, and AH-1s — were believed to be intended for operations against Israeli forces and to counter Israeli actions within Iranian territory.

The strikes also allegedly damaged the airbases’ runways and underground facilities. "The IDF continues its efforts to degrade the Iranian Regime's military capabilities and achieve aerial superiority over Iranian airspace to protect the State of Israel," the IDF said in a statement on Telegram.

Our precision strikes "damaged runways, underground bunkers, a refuelling plane, and F-14, F-5, and AH-1 aircraft belonging to the Iranian regime," the IDF posted on X.

The Israeli military stated that the Iranian aircraft they destroyed were meant to be used in attacks against Israel. In their post, the IDF also included an image identifying Tehran's Mehrabad, Mashhad, and Dezful airports as some of the targets.

"The Air Force disrupted the ability to take off from these airports and the operation of the Iranian army's air power from them," the post read.

The IDF reported that the targeted facilities had been used to launch missiles toward Israeli territory in recent days, adding that "defense systems are actively intercepting the threat."

This statement came a day after Iran fired a wave of missiles at key Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, in response to US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday.

Israel’s emergency response organisation, Magen David Adom, announced that its teams have been sent to locations hit in the latest wave of missile attacks launched from Iran.

This morning, residents across the country were ordered to take shelter, and the IDF recently issued a warning about the detection of additional incoming missiles.

Major airstrike in northern Tehran: A CNN team in Iran's capital witnessed a significant Israeli airstrike in the northern part of the city today. The crew reported hearing multiple jets flying overhead, followed by powerful explosions that shook the building they were inside.

While the exact target remains unknown, thick black smoke was seen rising over northwestern Tehran shortly after the attack.

China's call for de-escalation: China has urged the international community to intensify efforts to reduce tensions between Israel and Iran, warning of potential consequences for the global economy.

This comes amid increasing calls within Iran to shut down the Strait of Hormuz in response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities.

When questioned about the Iranian parliament’s backing for closing the crucial waterway, a spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry emphasised that the Persian Gulf and nearby waters are essential routes for global trade and energy supplies.