On October 25, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted significant airstrikes against Iran, critically weakening Iran’s integrated air defense network. The strikes specifically targeted three to four S-300 missile defense sites, including a key installation at Imam Khomeini International Airport near Tehran. According to the New York Times, these attacks have raised serious concerns within Iran’s leadership.

Several of the targeted air defense sites were positioned to protect vital Iranian energy assets, particularly in western and southwestern regions. Western media sources confirm that the strikes impacted air defense systems around strategic locations, including the Abadan oil refinery, the Bandar Imam Khomeini energy complex and port, and the Tang-eh Bijar gas field. This degradation of air defenses surrounding these facilities leaves them more exposed to potential future attacks says an ISW report.

The Center for the Study of War (CTP-ISW) previously noted that these IDF strikes not only weaken Iran’s immediate air defenses but could also disrupt its broader missile production and distribution network. Iran has reportedly supplied missiles to allies like Russia, Lebanese Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and the recent attacks are likely to hamper such transfers.

Beyond air defense systems, the IDF reportedly targeted drone and missile production sites across Iran. Satellite imagery revealed extensive damage to the Parchin military complex—one of Iran’s largest and most secretive missile production facilities. Specific targets within these sites included advanced mixing machines essential for producing solid fuel for ballistic missiles. Some of these ballistic missiles have been deployed by Iran in direct strikes on Israel. Experts suggest it could take Iran months or even over a year to replace this specialized equipment.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addressed the strikes in a speech on October 27, acknowledging that Israel may be emphasizing the attacks for its own agenda but stating that Iran cannot ignore the impact of these events.

S-300 is used by Russia, Ukraine, and other former Eastern Bloc countries, along with Bulgaria and Greece. It is also used by China, Iran, and other countries in Asia.