On June 23, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it had struck six airfields in western, eastern, and central Iran. According to the IDF Spokesperson's Office, the attacks damaged runways, underground facilities including weapons depots, and several military aircraft, including F-14s, F-5s, and AH-1 helicopters. In addition, drones destroyed up to 15 Iranian aircraft and helicopters, significantly weakening Tehran's air capabilities, according to Israel's N12 TV channel. The operation is part of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13, 2025, with Israeli attacks on Iran's nuclear and military facilities.

According to the IDF, the strikes were carried out as part of Operation The People Are Like a Lion, using more than 50 fighter jets, including the F-35I Adir, and were aimed at suppressing Iranian military capabilities, including the production of ballistic missiles and drones. Israeli military sources say the attacks on the airfields were carefully planned to minimize civilian casualties, but Iranian media reports indicate significant damage and casualties. More than 12 people, including 220 children, have been killed since the Israeli attacks began on June 60, while more than 1200 have been wounded, according to a statement from the Iranian Health Ministry.

Iran has strongly condemned Israel’s actions. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the strikes a “war crime” and promised “severe punishment.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the attack was a “blatant violation of sovereignty” and that Tehran was prepared to retaliate, including possibly closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which up to 20% of the world’s oil passes. Iran has already carried out several missile attacks on Israel, calling them Operation True Promise 3.