Israel Escalates Airstrikes on Iran After Killing Key IRGC Commander
Tel Aviv, June 22, 2025 – Israel has intensified its military campaign against Iran, launching airstrikes on infrastructure in the southwestern region of the country, following the targeted assassination of a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander. The commander, identified as Said Izadahi, was accused by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of funneling weapons and funds to Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi rebels, including orchestrating the deadly October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. The strikes come amid escalating tensions, with Iran launching ballistic missiles at central Israel on Saturday night, creating fireballs in the sky as Israeli interceptors neutralized them.
According to Fox News correspondent Mike Tobin, reporting from Tel Aviv, Israeli fighter jets are actively targeting Iranian infrastructure, capitalizing on their near-total air superiority after decimating Iran’s air defense systems. The IDF estimates it has destroyed approximately 50% of Iran’s missile capabilities, including mobile ballistic missile launchers, significantly weakening Tehran’s ability to retaliate. “We are pushing all the time, hunting down their commanders, ensuring they don’t have a second to regroup,” an IDF spokesperson stated, underscoring Israel’s relentless strategy to disrupt Iran’s military operations.
The assassination of Izadahi, described as a key architect of the Hamas-Israel conflict, occurred in the Iranian town of Khoum. The IDF claims he was instrumental in coordinating arms transfers to Hamas and other Iran-backed groups. His death follows a series of high-profile Israeli strikes, including the elimination of 14 Iranian nuclear scientists and 50 senior military officials since June 12, 2025. These operations have targeted Iran’s ballistic missile programs, drone capabilities, and IRGC leadership, severely hampering Tehran’s military infrastructure.
Iran’s air force, reliant on aging pre-Islamic Revolution U.S.-made aircraft like F-14s, has been largely ineffective against Israel’s modern fleet of F-16s and F-35s. “Iran’s air force is antiquated compared to what we have,” an Israeli F-16 pilot told Tobin, noting that few Iranian planes have managed to get airborne. Israel’s dominance of the skies has allowed its air force to strike with precision, targeting missile launchers, command centers, and other strategic assets. The IDF’s campaign has also benefited from U.S. support, with American pilots and Navy destroyers assisting in intercepting Iranian drones and missiles. Five U.S. Navy destroyers off Israel’s coast have deployed missile defense systems, while approximately 300 U.S. soldiers operate THAAD and Patriot systems on the ground.
Iran’s Foreign Minister has vowed not to return to nuclear negotiations as long as Israeli strikes continue, signaling a deepening diplomatic stalemate. The strikes have also heightened concerns among American citizens in Israel, particularly dual nationals and expatriates. Many are grappling with difficult travel decisions amid the conflict. “My girlfriend’s parents in Jerusalem got separated,” a U.S. citizen told Tobin, explaining that one parent faces a 16-hour bus journey through Egypt to reunite with family. While some Americans are opting to stay, citing solidarity with Israel, others are wary of traveling through Jordan or Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula due to security risks. The U.S. Embassy has arranged limited transportation options to assist those seeking to leave.
The conflict has disrupted daily life in Israel, with missile alerts and intermittent strikes causing anxiety. Saturday night’s Iranian missile barrage targeted central Israel, igniting a fire atop an apartment building in Holon, though no injuries were reported. This marked the second attack on Holon in recent weeks. Israel’s missile defense systems, including Arrow and David’s Sling, have intercepted most incoming threats, but the IDF remains vigilant as Iran’s missile stockpile dwindles. Tehran is estimated to have fired 500 of its 1,000-2,000 ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel, with the IDF claiming to have destroyed 55% of Iran’s mobile launchers.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for its role in the conflict, with some lawmakers questioning the extent of U.S. involvement without Congressional approval. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Israel’s “decisive action” but urged transparency from the White House. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of “consequences” for U.S. and Israeli actions, raising fears of retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases or shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf.
As Israel continues its “full court press” against Iran, the region braces for potential escalation. The IDF’s ability to operate with impunity in Iranian airspace underscores its military advantage, but the broader implications for Middle East stability remain uncertain. With American citizens navigating a precarious situation and Iran’s leadership vowing defiance, the conflict shows no signs of abating.
Sources: Fox News, Reuters, The Jerusalem Post, Al Jazeera
