IDF to expand military success following airspace dominance in Iran — IDF reserve colonel

This was reported by Israeli political scientist and IDF reserve lieutenant colonel Arie Zaiden on Espreso TV.

“In fact, the IDF has completely taken control of the airspace over Iran. This is a military fact — first of all. Secondly, the IDF, as we are taught at all levels, commanders, officers, and so on: if you are successful, you need to expand on that success. The IDF is expanding on its success,” he said.

Arie Zaiden said this is not a victory yet, but it is a turning point.

"The IDF can now operate freely in Iranian airspace. We have enough ammunition. The U.S. gives us strong support. We also have international backing, so the operation continues. It's not a victory, but it is clearly a turning point," said the IDF reserve lieutenant colonel.

IDF’s Rising Lion operation 

Israel’s stated goal of Operation Rising Lion is to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power.
The Israeli Air Force destroyed a drone factory in Isfahan and a radar plant in Shiraz.
Israel also said it killed 20 senior Iranian commanders and nine scientists linked to Iran’s nuclear program.

In response, Iran launched strikes on Israel, killing 13 civilians and injuring 450 others over two days. Israeli officials said all the victims were outside of shelters.
In Tel Aviv’s suburbs, five Ukrainian citizens, including three children, were killed in an Iranian strike.

Iran’s government claims that “hundreds” of Iranian civilians have died, but it gave no details. These claims cannot be verified due to censorship and lack of independent sources in Iran.

On the evening of Sunday, June 15, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave an update after the first three days of Operation Rising Lion and shared his next steps.