01.03.2026 14:41
The joint attacks by the US and Israel, which resulted in the deaths of religious leader Ali Khamenei and many high-ranking officials, have prompted Iran to take critical steps in the war. Iran has released footage showing preparations to bomb US bases with F-4 jets from 1960.
After the joint attacks of the USA and Israel that resulted in the death of Iran's religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many high-ranking military and political figures, the Tehran administration increased its military preparations on the ground. Iran shared images with the public showing that it was preparing to target US bases with F-4 Phantom fighter jets, which were produced in the 1960s but are still active in its inventory.
The images published by Iranian state media showed F-4 jets loading munitions, waiting on the runway ready for takeoff, and moments of pilot briefings. This sharing was interpreted as Iran wanting to demonstrate its retaliatory capacity not only with missile systems but also with air power.
FEATURES OF THE F-4 PHANTOM
The F-4 Phantom II is a twin-engine, long-range fighter aircraft that made its first flight in 1958 and was actively used in the 1960s. Developed by the USA, the aircraft served in many conflicts, especially the Vietnam War. Iran purchased these aircraft in the 1970s and still uses modernized versions of them.
The F-4s can reach speeds of approximately 2,200 km/h (around Mach 2). With an operational range exceeding 2,600 kilometers and external fuel tanks, they can achieve longer ranges. The aircraft can carry up to 8 tons of munitions and can be equipped with air-to-ground bombs, guided munitions, and various missile systems. It is known that Iran has updated its radar and avionics systems with some domestically developed modernization packages.
Although considered technologically outdated compared to new-generation fighter jets, the F-4s are regarded as an effective platform for operations against fixed targets, thanks to their heavy munitions carrying capacity and long range.
IS IT A MESSAGE ON THE GROUND OR OPERATIONAL PREPARATION?
The publication of F-4 images by Iran was interpreted as a psychological and strategic message. Experts state that Iran has adopted a multi-layered retaliation doctrine by activating not only its hypersonic missile capacity but also classic air force elements.
The USA, on the other hand, has strengthened its air defense systems in the region. It was reported that Patriot and THAAD batteries were activated and the alert level at bases in the Gulf was raised. Israel also increased its patrol flights in the airspace. As the risk of regional conflict grows following attacks on Iran's religious and military leadership, Tehran's emphasis on its air power has led to assessments that the war could enter a new phase.