In a bold move, the IDF forced an Iranian transport aircraft to turn back to Iran while en route to Syria, according to a dramatic report by journalist Yossi Yehoshua. Israeli fighter jets escorted the Iranian plane, compelling it to return to Iran in what observers are calling a significant diplomatic and military statement.
The incident occurred in Middle Eastern airspace yesterday (Saturday), with intelligence sources suspecting the aircraft was carrying weapons destined for Hezbollah. The confrontation marks a notable escalation in Israel's efforts to prevent Iranian arms transfers in the region.
This incident follows last week's report by Syrian opposition media outlets that detailed a similar occurrence involving an Iranian Mahan Air flight. That aircraft was reportedly trying to land at the Khmeimim military base (Russia's main air force base in Syria) but was denied permission to land and forced to return to Iran.
Two months ago (September), an ammunition depot at the base was struck in an attack attributed to Israel, drawing sharp criticism from Russian officials.