IDF says Air Force holds ‘aerial superiority’ over Tehran as strikes continue on Iranian targets

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Saturday that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) continues a sweeping campaign of airstrikes across Iran, with operations now entering their 40th hour.

In a briefing, IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Israeli jets are striking deep into Iran’s military infrastructure, including Tehran, which he described as “the head of the octopus.”

“Tehran is no longer immune,” Defrin said. “Thanks to precise airstrikes and years of intelligence gathered by the IDF Intelligence Directorate, we have broken through to the heart of Iran.”

According to Defrin, more than 150 objectives have been targeted, with IAF aircraft now holding “aerial superiority over western Iran and Tehran.”

Targets struck include missile sites, strategic military facilities, and high-ranking members of Iran’s terror leadership. One key site destroyed was an underground complex in Khorramabad, which contained launch shafts and dozens of missiles stored in tunnels.

“These could have been launched at Israel last night,” Defrin noted. “Our preliminary planning and intelligence enabled us to thwart parts of Iran’s planned attack.”

The IDF also confirmed airstrikes on two critical nuclear sites: the Natanz enrichment plant and the Isfahan conversion facility.

In addition, nine senior Iranian nuclear scientists have been “neutralized,” according to Defrin.

Despite the IDF’s success in degrading Iran’s capabilities, Iran managed to launch missiles at Israel overnight. Three Israeli civilians were killed.

“We have excellent and advanced aerial defense systems, but they are not airtight,” Defrin said. “Your composure and resilience as citizens are commendable.”

Protective measures remain in effect across Israel. Schools will be closed Sunday.

Meanwhile, IDF forces continue combat operations on multiple fronts: in Gaza, the north, Judea and Samaria, and along the Lebanon and Syria borders.

Defrin also addressed the families of 53 hostages still held in Gaza: “They remain our supreme mission in this war. We do not forget this for a moment.”