Grounded and Destroyed: U.S.-Israeli Strikes Ravage Iranian Air Assets

In a relentless expansion of Operation Epic Fury, U.S. and Israeli air forces carried out targeted strikes across several Iranian aviation hubs on Monday and Tuesday, March 30–31, 2026. The operations have reportedly resulted in the destruction of both military and civilian-operated aircraft, further crippling Tehran’s ability to project power or manage international logistics amidst the month-long war.

Strike on Mehrabad Airport (Tehran)

Early on Monday, March 30, precision strikes targeted Mehrabad International Airport, the primary hub for Iran’s domestic and dual-use aviation.

• The Damage: Multiple Iranian state media outlets (Fars and Mehr News) confirmed that “several sites” across the capital were hit, with Mehrabad’s runways and hangars suffering direct hits.
• Military Integration: While primarily a civilian airport, Mehrabad shares facilities with the Iranian Air Force. Sources suggest several transport aircraft and interceptors were caught on the tarmac during the initial wave.
• Collateral Hits: The strikes also damaged a branch of the National Bank of Iran and a cardboard factory located near the airport perimeter.

Mashhad Airport and the Humanitarian Crisis

A separate strike on Monday at Mashhad International Airport in northeastern Iran targeted a high-value civilian asset with strategic implications.

1. Mahan Air Aircraft: A Mahan Air aircraft was significantly damaged in the raid. Mahan Air has long been accused by the U.S. of transporting weapons and IRGC personnel, though Tehran maintains this specific aircraft was for civilian use.
2. India Mission Aborted: The plane was reportedly scheduled to fly to New Delhi on April 1 to collect a major consignment of humanitarian and medical supplies. Iranian officials claim the strike was a deliberate attempt to obstruct the flow of life-saving medicine.
3. Medical Shortage: This strike follows Tuesday’s attack on the Tofigh Daru pharmaceutical plant in Tehran, exacerbating a growing national shortage of anesthetic and cancer drugs.

Retaliation and Reciprocity: The Saudi Base Strike

While the U.S. and Israel have dominated the skies, Iran has demonstrated a continued ability to strike high-value aviation targets in the region.

• The AWACS Loss: On March 27, an Iranian precision strike successfully destroyed a U.S. E-3 Sentry (AWACS) aircraft while it was parked at Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia.
• The “Radar Dome” Hit: Satellite imagery confirmed a direct strike on the aircraft’s distinctive radar dome, a loss that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth acknowledged as “incredibly problematic” for regional airspace management.
• Spy Satellite Role: Ukrainian intelligence has alleged that Russian spy satellites provided the precise coordinates of the AWACS to Tehran just days before the attack, a claim Moscow has denied.

“Nearing Complete Destruction”

Speaking from the Pentagon on Tuesday, Secretary Pete Hegseth provided a grim assessment of the Iranian defense industrial base, stating it is “nearing complete destruction.” He reiterated that the mission of Operation Epic Fury remains “laser-focused” on destroying offensive missiles, production facilities, and the security infrastructure that supports the regime.

As the April 6 deadline approaches, the systematic destruction of Iran’s fixed-wing assets appears designed to ensure that even if a ceasefire is reached, the regime will lack the immediate capability to resume regional patrols or long-range transport.