The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has reportedly conducted a long-range strike on an Iranian refueling aircraft stationed at Mashhad Airport in eastern Iran which is nearly 2,300 kilometers from Israel. This marks the longest-range operation executed by the IAF since the launch of Operation Rising Lion.
According to early intelligence reports, the strike is part of Israel's broader strategy to assert aerial superiority over Iranian airspace amid rising regional tensions. The targeted refueling aircraft is believed to be a key asset in Iran’s military logistics chain.
Over 400 killed in Israeli strikes across Iran
At least ten civilians have been killed and over 100 injured in the latest wave of strikes, despite active missile defense systems working to intercept incoming threats.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Bat Yam, where a missile struck an apartment building, killing at least six people. Rescue operations are still underway, as several residents remain missing beneath the rubble. In Tamra, a mother and her two children were killed in another strike, raising fears about the growing reach of the offensive. Rehovot was also targeted, with damage reported in multiple residential neighborhoods.
A total of 406 people have been killed and 654 others injured in Israeli airstrikes across Iran, according to Washington-based Human Rights Activists, an organization that closely monitors human rights in the country. The Iranian government has not released any official casualty figures yet.
The strikes, which began Friday, included surprise bombings of Iranian nuclear and military sites, reportedly killing several top IRGC generals and nuclear scientists. Both nations appear entrenched in their positions, with no signs of de-escalation on either side.
Energy infrastructure targeted, Israel warns of more attacks
Iranian authorities reported that two major oil refineries were struck, a move that raises alarms over the possibility of a wider assault on Iran’s already-sanctioned energy sector, potentially disrupting global oil markets. In a social media warning, the Israeli military urged Iranian civilians to evacuate arms factories, hinting at an expanding military campaign.
Israel, which is widely believed to be the Middle East's only nuclear-armed state despite no official confirmation, said the strikes were aimed at halting Iran's nuclear ambitions. The two nations have been entrenched rivals for decades.
Explosions in Tehran; global powers respond
Multiple explosions rocked Tehran, Iran’s capital, including reported strikes near Vali-e Asr Square and the Air Force neighborhood, according to semi-official outlets linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Sirens also blared across Israel around 4 p.m., warning of what was believed to be Iran's first daytime counterattack since the conflict erupted. No casualties have been confirmed from this latest exchange.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong support for Israel’s actions, while cautioning Iran that further escalation could be avoided only by returning to negotiations for a new nuclear agreement.