Fact Check: "Israel achieved air superiority over western Iran within hours!"
What We Know
On June 13, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a significant military operation against Iranian targets, which included airstrikes on nuclear facilities and military bases. Reports indicate that by 06:30 IDT, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) had executed five waves of airstrikes using over 200 fighter jets, dropping more than 330 munitions on approximately 100 targets across Iran, including the Natanz Nuclear Facility and other critical military sites (Timeline of the Iran-Israel war).
Israeli officials stated that the Mossad had successfully sabotaged Iran's air defense systems, which played a crucial role in securing air superiority for the Israeli aircraft during these operations (Timeline of the Iran-Israel war). This operation was characterized as a "preemptive strike" aimed at preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities (Timeline of the Iran-Israel war).
Analysis
The claim that Israel achieved air superiority over western Iran within hours is supported by multiple credible sources. The Wikipedia timeline details the rapid execution of airstrikes and the significant scale of the operation, which involved extensive coordination and the use of advanced military technology, including F-35I Adir fighters. The effectiveness of these strikes was further enhanced by the reported sabotage of Iranian air defenses, which is a critical factor in achieving air superiority.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they include detailed accounts from military operations and analyses from reputable news outlets. For instance, a report from AP News corroborates the timeline of events, describing the explosions in Tehran and the scale of the Israeli attacks. Additionally, an article from TIME discusses the implications of Israel's air superiority following the strikes, indicating that Israel's military capabilities were indeed effective in this context.
However, it is important to note that the situation in conflict zones can be fluid, and reports may vary based on the source. While the evidence points strongly to Israel achieving air superiority, the exact nature and duration of this superiority may be subject to interpretation based on subsequent Iranian responses and military assessments.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Israel achieved air superiority over western Iran within hours is substantiated by credible reports detailing the scale and effectiveness of the Israeli airstrikes on June 13, 2025. The combination of advanced military tactics and the disabling of Iranian air defenses contributed to this rapid achievement of air superiority.
