Fact Check: Over the course of 36 hours since the start of the conflict, the Israeli air force has eliminated Iranian air defenses that could threaten Israeli fighter jets en route to Tehran.

Fact Check: "Over the course of 36 hours since the start of the conflict, the Israeli air force has eliminated Iranian air defenses that could threaten Israeli fighter jets en route to Tehran."

What We Know

The claim suggests that within 36 hours of the onset of a conflict, the Israeli air force successfully neutralized Iranian air defenses that posed a threat to its aircraft operating in the vicinity of Tehran. Recent reports indicate that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have indeed achieved a level of operational freedom in Tehran's airspace, which is attributed to the destruction of significant portions of Iran's air defense systems (Axios, Jerusalem Post).

Additionally, the New York Times reported that explosions were heard in Tehran, correlating with the timing of Israeli military actions, which supports the assertion that Israeli operations have impacted Iranian military capabilities (New York Times).

Analysis

While there is evidence suggesting that Israeli airstrikes have effectively diminished Iranian air defenses, the specifics of the claim—particularly the 36-hour timeframe—are not universally corroborated across all sources. The CNN report confirms that Israeli forces are operating freely in Tehran's airspace but does not explicitly mention the 36-hour timeframe or the complete elimination of all air defenses.

The reliability of the sources varies; while major news outlets like CNN and Axios provide timely updates, they may also reflect the narratives of the parties involved in the conflict. The Jerusalem Post is known for its pro-Israel stance, which may influence its reporting. Therefore, while the reports indicate a significant Israeli military success, the exact details regarding the timeframe and the extent of the destruction of Iranian air defenses remain somewhat ambiguous.

Conclusion

Needs Research: The claim that the Israeli air force eliminated Iranian air defenses within a specific 36-hour period is partially supported by reports indicating operational freedom in Tehran's airspace. However, the lack of consensus on the exact timeline and the potential for biased reporting necessitate further investigation to confirm the accuracy of the claim.

Sources

1. Israel - The World Factbook
2. Israel – Wikipedia
3. Defying Calls for De-Escalation, Israel and Iran Exchange ...
4. Israeli air force achieved freedom of operation in Tehran's ...
5. Miksi Israel iski juuri nyt, ja mitä tästä seuraa? Asiantuntija ...
6. Israel can now easily strike Tehran as Iran's air defenses ...
7. Israel | Facts, History, Population, & Map | Britannica
8. Iran and Israel trade strikes as conflict continues