Strike in the Heart of Tehran: Israel Destroys Sovereign "VIP Aircraft" at Mehrabad Airport

In a precision operation targeting a symbol of Iranian state authority, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday, March 16, 2026, the destruction of the strategic VIP aircraft formerly used by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The strike, conducted overnight, successfully hit the aircraft while it was stationed at Mehrabad International Airport in central Tehran.

Disrupting Regional Coordination According to the IDF, the aircraft was a vital asset used by top Iranian officials and military commanders for high-level domestic and international travel, as well as for coordination with regional allies. By neutralizing this asset, Israel aims to severely limit the secure mobility of the Iranian leadership and disrupt their ability to conduct face-to-face strategic coordination during the ongoing conflict.

Mehrabad: A High-Value Dual-Use Target Mehrabad is not only Tehran’s busiest domestic civil airport but also a critical dual-use facility housing significant Air Force assets. This operation underscores Israel’s ability to penetrate the heavily fortified airspace of the Iranian capital and strike high-value sovereign targets within sensitive military-civilian hubs. Military analysts view this as a clear message that no facility in Tehran is beyond the reach of Israeli intelligence and precision munitions.