Israel Destroys Two Iranian F-14 Tomcats in Airstrikes Near Tehran, Isfahan

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently conducted precision airstrikes on Iranian military targets, destroying two Iranian F-14 Tomcat fighter jets near Tehran and Isfahan as part of a broader campaign to dismantle Iran's air defense capabilities. These iconic US-made jets, originally acquired by Iran under the Shah's regime before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, have been maintained through cannibalization and domestic upgrades despite a lack of US support and spare parts. Though the F-14s remain a symbolically and strategically important platform for Iran, the two destroyed aircraft were reportedly non-operational and had been grounded for some time. The strikes also targeted Iranian drone launch teams preparing attacks on Israel, showcasing Israel's intent to maintain aerial dominance and prevent Iran from reconstituting its nuclear and missile programs. This campaign is aimed at ensuring long-term Israeli access to Iranian airspace and neutralizing the country’s ability to defend its critical military infrastructure. The destruction of these aging fighters likely marks the end of the F-14's operational career within Iran's military.