Iran Turns America's Own Fighter Aircraft Against U.S. Military; F-14 Tomcats Roar Into Action

| Jun 12, 2026, 07:00:00 AM | TOI.in
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In a move that has stunned military aviation circles, Iran has officially committed its most legendary, highly elusive, and prized aviation asset to active combat operations amid the ongoing conflict with the United States. State-controlled media outlets in Iran have released verified operational footage showing a Grumman F-14 Tomcat long-range fleet interceptor touching down at the 8th Tactical Fighter Base near Isfahan after completing a live combat patrol. While the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) had previously relied heavily on its Vietnam War-era F-4 Phantoms, F-5 Tigers, and newly fielded Russian-made Yak-130 trainers to execute frontline strike sorties, this highly publicized landing provides the first definitive confirmation that the world's last operational Tomcat fleet is actively participating in the war effort. Procured during the 1970s under the pre-revolution monarchy, approximately two to three dozen of these highly complex fourth-generation fighters are estimated to remain in service. Built to defend American aircraft carriers decades ago, these same iconic swing-wing fighters are now flying combat missions against the United States itself.

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