WATCH: Iran Downs Israeli Drone Over Isfahan; IDF Responds with Major Airstrike on Tehran
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Iran successfully downed an Israeli UAV over Isfahan while Israel responded with a wave of airstrikes deep inside Tehran.
For the first time since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran, Iranian forces successfully downed an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the skies of Isfahan, a central Iranian province. The Israeli drone, reportedly a “Hermes 900,” was on a classified mission to locate missile launchers and surface-to-surface missile systems threatening Israel’s security. The UAV was struck by an Iranian surface-to-air missile during operational activity.
According to the IDF Spokesperson, “During operational activity, a surface-to-air missile was fired toward an IAF UAV. The UAV fell in Iran. No injuries were reported and there is no risk of an information breach.” While the loss of the UAV marks a symbolic moment for Iran, Israeli defense officials emphasized that it would not compromise Israel's operational capabilities or intelligence assets.
In response to ongoing threats and as part of its broader military campaign, the Israeli Air Force launched a major night-time strike on multiple military targets in and around Tehran. Over 50 fighter jets participated in the operation, which was guided by real-time intelligence from the IDF Intelligence Directorate.
One of the primary objectives was a centrifuge production facility located in the heart of Tehran. This site, according to military sources, plays a critical role in Iran’s efforts to expand its uranium enrichment capacity. “The Iranian regime is enriching uranium for the purpose of developing nuclear weapons,” the IDF stated. “It is important to note that nuclear development for civilian use does not require enrichment at these levels.”
In addition to the nuclear-related site, the IDF also struck several weapons manufacturing facilities. These included plants used for producing components and raw materials for both surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles. The targeted systems are part of the very arsenal Iran has used in recent attacks against Israel.
The downing of the UAV and the retaliatory strikes highlight the growing intensity and depth of the Israel-Iran conflict, with both nations now engaging each other more directly and aggressively than at any previous point.