The jets were located at the airport in Isfahan, the city where Israel had previously destroyed Ghadr-class ballistic missiles and their launch platforms.

“The US has been bombing drawings of F-14s this entire time lol,” a viral social media post said.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country would cease its attacks on neighboring nations unless it was hit first. He also dismissed President Donald Trump's call for an "unconditional surrender” as Operation Epic Fury continues.

Israel confirmed airstrikes on military facilities at Isfahan Airport in central Iran on March 8, 2026, targeting infrastructure linked to Iran’s air force and air defenses. The strikes reportedly hit hangars housing Iran’s aging F-14 Tomcat fighter jets,

After the 1979 Revolution, U.S. engineers left Iran and sabotaged much of the F-14’s Phoenix missile stockpile. Cut off from spare parts and long-range weapons, Iran’s Tomcats were suddenly limited in range and firepower.