The Israel Air Force 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, security officials said on Saturday morning. 

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, saying "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.

Zamir held a situational assessment with IAF Commander Tomer Bar and IDF Arabic Spokesperson Avichay Adraee on Saturday morning, where they discussed these operational plans. Based on operational plans, IAF aircraft will begin operating to attack targets in Tehran.

Iran maintains three key nuclear sites: Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. Natanz and Isfahan have reportedly been rendered non-operational, in what defense sources describe as a substantial setback to Iran’s nuclear development efforts. 

Rescuers work at the site of a damaged building, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 13, 2025. (credit: Iranian Red Crescent Society/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS)
Rescuers work at the site of a damaged building, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 13, 2025. (credit: Iranian Red Crescent Society/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS)
While the Fordow facility remains intact, the loss of scientific personnel, due to the targeted killings of key figures, is expected to delay any nuclear progress. Intelligence officials emphasized that scientific leadership is essential for overseeing such complex programs, and its absence will hinder Iran’s ability to coordinate further action.

Significant damage has also reportedly been inflicted on Iran’s surface-to-surface missile systems and defense industries. Military assessments indicate that Iran remains highly vulnerable to further strikes, particularly in Tehran, where intensified Israeli operations are expected in the next 24 hours.

Additionally, the IDF’s intelligence community is said to have made a notable breakthrough in real-time intelligence collection. This advancement enables precise targeting of individuals and strategic assets, including mobile launch systems, as they move. Military officials described the development as a “game changer” for operational effectiveness.