Israel Confirms Airstrike on Iran’s Mashhad Airport, Claims Longest-Range Operation Amid Escalating Conflict
Israel has confirmed conducting a high-profile airstrike deep within Iranian territory, targeting a military refuelling aircraft stationed at Mashhad International Airport in northeast Iran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) described the mission as the “longest-range strike” executed since the onset of its ongoing military campaign against Iran.
In a statement released by the IDF, officials said: “The Israeli Air Force struck an Iranian aerial refuelling aircraft at Mashhad airport, located approximately 2,300 kilometers from Israeli territory.” The attack, they emphasized, was a strategic operation aimed at degrading Iran’s long-range aerial capabilities. A significant fire was reported at the airport following the strike, with visible damage in the vicinity.
The daring operation evokes memories of Israel’s 1985 airstrike on the PLO headquarters in Tunisia, previously considered one of its farthest-reaching military operations. This latest mission signals an intensified phase of Israel’s military engagement with Iran.
Iranian state media acknowledged the strike, with the Fars News Agency reporting explosions at two separate sites in Mashhad. It confirmed that air defence systems were activated in response. Mashhad is also home to the Imam Reza shrine, the most revered pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims, raising concerns over collateral damage in one of Iran’s holiest cities.
Earlier, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir addressed the growing scope of Israeli operations inside Iran. “The Air Force is striking Iranian infrastructure in a manner more precise and extensive than the enemy anticipated,” Zamir said during a visit to the IAF’s central command. “Our operations are reshaping the strategic landscape. We are dismantling an existential threat to Israel and reinforcing our long-term national security.”
Zamir further asserted that the IDF had “paved the way to Tehran” and was now targeting core elements of the Iranian regime, including its nuclear and military infrastructure, with what he called surgical precision. He stressed that these operations would continue with “determination, strength, and full coordination across all branches of Israel’s security apparatus.”
The offensive, launched on Friday, marks a dramatic escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict. According to Human Rights Activists, a Washington-based monitoring group, the Israeli strikes have resulted in at least 406 fatalities and injured 654 across Iran. The Iranian government has yet to release official casualty figures or confirm the full extent of the damage.
Israel’s campaign has included targeted strikes on oil refineries, nuclear research facilities, airbases, and weapons manufacturing centres. In retaliation, Iran has launched dozens of missiles into Israeli territory. At least 22 missiles reportedly struck various locations inside Israel, causing multiple fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage.
With tensions between the two regional powers reaching unprecedented levels, international observers are expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation and a broader regional conflict. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation remain limited, with both sides appearing entrenched in their military strategies.
