IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin on Saturday revealed that over 70 aircraft operated in the heart of Tehran for over two hours straight and attacked over 40 targets during a press conference on Saturday.

Defrin said that this was the deepest the military had operated in Tehran, and that the IDF has full freedom of operation in the airspace above Tehran, Defrin said.

He also denied the Iranian claim that an Israel Air Force fighter jet was downed by Iran. 

Iranian air defenses firing following an Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran, June 14, 2025 (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)
Iranian air defenses firing following an Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran, June 14, 2025 (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)
The IDF said that it targeted dozens of missiles and missile launchers in Iran that were directed at Israel shortly after the press conference.

This follows earlier comments from Israeli security officials that said that the IAF is now capable of operating without obstruction as far as Tehran, following what was described as the destruction of a majority of Iran's air defense systems.

Expanding Israel's operational range, shortened flight paths to Iran

The reported elimination of Syria’s military capabilities, including those of Hezbollah, has further expanded Israel’s operational range and shortened flight paths to Iran. 

Until approximately two years ago, the IAF faced severe limitations in operating over Lebanon and Syria. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir's statement on Saturday, "The road to Tehran has been paved," reflects the IDF’s present air dominance and signals a strategic shift.

According to military officials, the pace of air operations is expected to accelerate.

This is a developing story.

Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.