Israel Strikes Iranian VIP Transport Aircraft at Mehrabad Airport

Israel’s military said it destroyed an aircraft used by Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran. The aircraft, an Iranian government Airbus A340-300, was reportedly used for VIP transport and state visits. The Israeli Air Force argued that the strike would impair Iran’s ability to coordinate with partner states and rebuild military power. Reuters reported on the incident, citing Israeli military statements, but noted that the destruction of the aircraft has not been independently verified.