Israeli Air Force operations Monday night resulted in the simultaneous destruction of more than 20 surface-to-surface missiles moments before their intended launch toward Israel. The same evening witnessed multiple attack waves as Israeli aircraft struck approximately 100 military targets throughout Isfahan, central Iran – a region housing significant missile launcher and ballistic missile assets.
The coordinated operation involved roughly 50 fighter aircraft and supporting platforms that identified and engaged missile storage facilities, surface-to-surface launchers positioned for imminent firing, and command installations where launch teams prepared to target Israeli territory.
Monday's strikes eliminated more than 20 missiles simultaneously, preventing their launch toward Israel's civilian areas. During one engagement, Israeli forces detected a launch crew attempting to fire surface-to-surface missiles at Israel. Through real-time intelligence coordination, the Air Force eliminated the crew while destroying the prepared missiles. Operation Rising Lion has now destroyed more than 120 missile launchers, constituting one-third of Iran's total launcher inventory. These operations reduced the potential missile barrage scale by half, decreasing the overall missile count by at least 50 projectiles.
The evening's operations followed Sunday night's precision strikes when Air Force jets, guided by Intelligence Division targeting, attacked a Tehran-area facility housing multiple senior Iranian regime intelligence officials. The operation eliminated the Revolutionary Guards' intelligence chief and deputy, alongside the Quds Force intelligence division commander and his deputy. These officials maintained central roles in Iran's strategic assessments and terror operation planning against Israel, Western nations, and regional allies.
Mohammad Khatami, who led Revolutionary Guards intelligence since 2022, oversaw counterintelligence operations, espionage activities, and suppression of Iranian regime opponents. His position encompassed intelligence assessment development for terror operations and civilian surveillance aimed at suppressing Iranian citizens while preserving regime control. Deputy Mohammad Hassan Mohaghegh previously directed strategic intelligence operations and participated extensively in Iranian regime terror activities targeting Israel, Western countries, and regional partners.
Quds Force intelligence commanders Mohsen Bagheri and deputy Abu al-Fazl Nikouei coordinated operational and intelligence support for resistance axis members, including Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthi forces, and Iraqi militias. These officials significantly contributed to Iranian entrenchment efforts in Syria while supporting Hezbollah's military enhancement in Lebanon.
