Israeli military operations inside Iran continue to evolve as fighter jets, unmanned systems carry out strikes, reconnaissance, and limited special operations deep in Iranian territory.
Despite earlier claims by Israeli officials of full control over Iran’s airspace, the situation remains more fluid, particularly in the country’s eastern regions.
According to Israeli defense sources, Air Force units—including manned fighters and long-range unmanned aerial vehicles—continue to operate with growing freedom over key regions such as Tehran, Tabriz, Kermanshah, and much of Isfahan.
Recent footage and flight tracking data indicate that CH-53 Yasur helicopters and C-130 Shimshon transport aircraft have been observed flying through Iraqi airspace en route to Iran. These aircraft are reportedly supporting both extraction and insertion operations, pointing to an expanded scope of Israeli military activity beyond airstrikes alone.
However, areas including southern Isfahan, eastern Tehran, and the heavily fortified northeastern Mashhad remain contested, with limited access primarily granted to kamikaze drones operating at extended range.
While the Israeli Air Force currently maintains aerial control over a large portion of Iran’s central and western airspace, Iranian air defense forces have begun to adapt. Following the initial shock from Israel’s first wave of attacks—launched on the night of June 13—Iran has repositioned its most advanced surface-to-air missile systems and combat aircraft to the eastern provinces.
Iran is now focusing on building a layered defense shield across its eastern flank, deploying its air assets and modern missile systems to protect strategic sites still beyond the operational reach of Israeli fighter jets. Due to the sheer size of Iranian territory and the distances involved, Israeli aircraft face logistical limits when conducting extended missions over the east.
As a result, Iran has reportedly started to down Israeli aerial platforms. At least two Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles—used for both strike and reconnaissance roles—have been confirmed lost in Iranian territory. For a deep surveillance effort, Israel began involving its mystery drone, named the RA-01, a new Israeli unmanned platform whose existence had not been publicly acknowledged prior to this operation.
This is NOT a B-2 bomber, but its highly likely mysterious Israeli UAV named RA-01.
The RA-01 is an advanced Israeli stealth UAV designed primarily for long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in hostile environments such as the Middle East.… https://t.co/A5lG4LzJ9r pic.twitter.com/UhcEiNSGFk
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 18, 2025
While Israeli aircraft continue to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure through targeted strikes, Israeli defense officials now recognize the need for expanded operational support to sustain pressure across the breadth of Iran. That includes assistance from the United States, whose strategic bombers and forward-based fighters could help extend Israeli reach and conduct precision strikes on hardened targets located in Iran’s north and south, particularly around port cities and fortified bases.
In addition, U.S. support could help facilitate mid-air refueling operations, enabling Israeli aircraft to spend more time over distant areas and conduct missions with greater flexibility. Israeli officials have not confirmed whether U.S. military involvement has been formally requested, but coordination between the two countries’ defense establishments is ongoing.
Despite setbacks in the east, Israel appears committed to its current campaign. The evolving air operation highlights both the depth of Israeli reach and the persistent limitations posed by geography and Iranian defensive adaptation. As Iran regroups and adjusts its posture, the next phase of this conflict may depend heavily on cooperation wth the U.S.—and whether Israel can sustain high-tempo operations across such a wide and complex battlespace.