On June 18, 2025, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) made a sweeping statement claiming that Tehran had succeeded in establishing full control over Israeli airspace. According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, the IRGC stressed that the missile attack, carried out as part of Operation True Promise 3, demonstrated the vulnerability of Israel's defenses.

"Residents of the occupied territories are completely defenseless against Iranian missiles," - said in a statement.

There are no details to support such an ambitious claim, which has raised skepticism among analysts and increased tensions in the Iran-Israel conflict that began with Israel's Operation Rising Lion on June 13.

The conflict, which has entered its sixth phase, is characterized by unprecedented intensity. According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli Air Force attacked Iranian targets, including ballistic missile depots near Isfahan and military bases in Khuzestan province, causing significant damage to infrastructure. The strikes killed hundreds of people, including civilians, Mehr News reported. In response, Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones, targeting military targets in Israel, including the Ramon air base and command centers in the Jerusalem area. According to Israel Hayom, Israeli air defense systems intercepted most of the targets, but some hits caused fires and destruction in the suburbs of Tel Aviv. The IRGC statement is likely related to the use of Iranian kamikaze drones and medium-range missiles such as the Kheibar Shekan, which, according to Press TV, are capable of evading radar.

Israeli authorities have denied Iran's claims. An IDF spokesman said the country's air defenses, including the David's Sling systems, remain effective despite the strain. The defense minister stressed that Israel is prepared for further strikes on Iran to "guarantee the safety of the skies," The Jerusalem Post quotes. However, incidents of missiles landing in residential areas reported by eyewitnesses in Netanya point to technical failures, heightening public concerns.