Israel Claims It Destroyed Aircraft Used By Ali Khamenei In Airstrike At Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport

Israel has claimed that its air force carried out a strike targeting aircraft linked to Iran's former supreme leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the overnight operation destroyed a plane that had allegedly been used by Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials for travel and coordination with allied groups in the region.

Israeli officials described the strike as a significant blow to Iran's ability to coordinate with its regional allies.

Israel Says Plane Was Used for Military Coordination

In a statement, the Israeli military said the aircraft had been used by Iranian leadership and military figures for both domestic and international travel.

According to Israel, the plane also played a role in facilitating military procurement and maintaining ties with allied groups that form part of Iran's regional network.

The IDF claimed the destruction of the aircraft could weaken communication and coordination between Iran's leadership and its allied organisations across the region.

Israeli Air Force Claims Destruction of Multiple Aircraft

Reports from Israeli sources suggested that the airstrike was part of a broader operation at Mehrabad Airport.

According to Israeli officials cited in media reports, 16 aircraft were destroyed during the strikes earlier this month.

The Israeli military alleged that some of these aircraft were used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), particularly its overseas operations branch, the Quds Force.

Israel claimed the aircraft were used to transport weapons and financial resources to allied groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Claims of Hidden Aircraft

Israeli officials also alleged that Iranian authorities attempted to hide some of the aircraft inside storage areas typically used for planes that are no longer in service.

According to the Israeli military, this move was intended to make it more difficult for Israeli forces to identify and target the aircraft during operations.

Israel said the airstrikes were part of efforts to disrupt Iran's regional military network and limit the movement of weapons and resources.

Conflict Continues to Escalate

The strike comes amid an ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.
Tensions sharply escalated after joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on February 28 that reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader.

In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli and American positions in several Gulf countries.

Impact on Global Energy and Shipping

The conflict has also had global economic implications.

One of the biggest concerns is disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy routes.

Around 20 percent of global oil supplies pass through this narrow maritime corridor. Any disruption to shipping in the area could affect global energy markets and international trade.

As tensions continue to rise, analysts warn that the conflict could have wider consequences for regional stability and the global economy.