Recently, many observers harbor increasing suspicions that Israel is undertaking concrete steps to plan an attack on Iran.
Not surprisingly, speculation around Jerusalem formulating battle plans evolve around Israel’s activities with the wings of its F-35 variant known as the Adir, or “Mighty One.”
Musings about a possible Israeli strike on Iran have been a topic of discussion for over a decade, ever since the reality of Iran’s nuclear ambitions became clear to the international community. But recent events over the past month indicate that more concrete plans are being considered.
In mid March, several international outlets reported that Iran’s Air Force (IRIAF) commander Brigadier General Farzad Ismaili was fired by the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ismaili’s dismissal came after intelligence reports from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps revealed the general’s forces had failed to identify the intrusion of Israeli F-35s into Iranian airspace. According to reports, Ismaili in fact new of the successful penetration—and tried to cover it up. According to Kuwaiti media that uncovered the scandal, the F-35s were apparently able to fly over Tehran as well as several underground nuclear facilities.
The substantial involvement Israel’s government and major defense firms had in the F-35’s development is beginning to show its full impact. Israel was the only country allowed to order several of the new fighters built to its own specifications. This allowed Israel to integrate its own systems into the already advanced aircraft and capitalize even more on its superstealth capabilities. All of Israel’s planning and investment into the fighter was done with one idea in mind: countering Iran’s activities in the region. And not just against targets in Iran itself but also on Iranian infrastructure throughout the region. The trends of Israeli action over the past year —and the past month specifically— indicate clearly that plans for an attack on Iran are being strongly considered.
