Israel Strikes Key Military Sites Across Tehran; US Aircraft Crashed

Jerusalem, April 4 (IANS) — The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) struck key infrastructure and military sites across Tehran on Saturday. Guided by precise intelligence, the IDF targeted several defense installations, including an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) aerial facility storing anti-aircraft missiles.

According to an official statement, the strikes also hit a military site protecting weapons research centers, a ballistic missile storage facility, and multiple weapons production hubs. “These strikes increase the damage to Iran’s core systems and foundations,” the IDF stated, signaling a transition into a new phase of the conflict.

Escalation Following US Aircraft Losses

This military action follows the crash of two US military aircraft on Friday after they drew Iranian fire. While rescuers saved one pilot from a two-seat F-15, the other remains missing. The losses occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump claimed Iranian forces “can’t do a thing” about US planes flying over the capital.

Attacks in Khuzestan Province

Simultaneously, US and Israeli forces attacked several petrochemical companies in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province. Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that strikes hit the following firms at 10:47 AM local time:

• Fajr 1 & 2

• Regal

• Amirkabir

• Bandar Imam

• Buali Sina

Valiollah Hayati, Khuzestan’s Deputy Governor for Security, reported at least five injuries but warned that casualties will likely rise. The attacks also severely damaged the Shalamcheh border trade terminal in Khorramshahr. Authorities have since evacuated the Mahshahr Special Petrochemical Zone.

Context of the Conflict

The current hostilities escalated after a joint US-Israeli attack on February 28, which killed Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with senior commanders. Iran retaliated with waves of missile and drone strikes against Israeli and American assets across the Middle East, leading to the current cycle of high-intensity warfare.