Israel Defense Forces destroy Khamenei’s plane in Tehran strike
Smoke over Tehran (Iran) following strikes by Israel and the United States, March 1, 2026 (Photo: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency))
The Israeli Air Force destroyed an aircraft used by Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior regime officials in a precise strike at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran overnight into March 16, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced.
The plane served both domestic and international flights to advance military procurement and coordination with Iran's "axis" allies.
"Another strategic asset of the regime has been degraded," the military stated.
On March 15, IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told CNN that Israel's campaign against Iran is expected to continue for at least another three weeks.
According to the IDF, since the operation began on Feb. 28, Israeli aircraft have conducted approximately 400 waves of strikes in western and central Iran, focusing on dismantling infrastructure and targeting defense sites.
Semafor, citing U.S. officials, reported that Israel warned Washington its stocks of ballistic missile interceptors are nearly depleted amid the war with Iran.
Israel entered the conflict with already limited reserves after expending significant numbers during the summer 2025 clashes with Iran. The country's long-range missile defense system is under heavy strain from Iranian attacks.
The joint U.S.-Israel operation against the Iranian regime began on Feb. 28, resulting in the elimination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei through airstrikes. In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, and struck U.S. military bases.
On March 11, U.S. President Donald Trump said the war with Iran would end soon because "there is practically nothing left to target."
On March 13, The Wall Street Journal reported that despite advisers urging him to stop the special operation, Trump plans to continue strikes on Iran and its allies. Trump described U.S. military action as "one of the most powerful strikes in Middle East history" against facilities on Iran's Kharg Island and claimed Iran is "totally obliterated" and seeking a deal, which he rejected.
In an NBC News interview, Trump said he is not ready to agree to a ceasefire because "the terms are not good enough yet."
On March 15, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told ABC News the war with Iran could end in the coming weeks, or possibly sooner.
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