TEHRAN - An Iranian general has revealed that the United States and NATO provided Israel with 240 fighter jets during Iran's retaliatory operation against Israeli military targets in April.

According to Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, Commander of Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters, only one division of the IRGC Aerospace Force was involved in the operation, utilizing just 20% of its offensive capabilities.

However, the U.S., NATO, and Israel had deployed a significant force to protect the Israeli regime, including anti-missile air defence systems from U.S. warships and the Israeli military.

General Rashid stated that the IRGC Aerospace Force was prepared to launch additional strikes with the remaining 80% of its offensive power. However, Iranian commanders determined that the initial operation was sufficient to punish Israel.

The general also condemned the support provided to Israel by the U.S., the UK, France, and European governments, comparing it to the Crusades.

Iran launched a large-scale drone and missile attack against Israeli military positions in the occupied territories on April 14. The offensive came in response to the regime’s earlier striking of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths 13 people including a high-ranking IRGC commander and his deputy.

Tehran seemed to make the decision to respond to the aggression after Western powers refused to condemn the regime’s unprecedented act in an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Reports suggest that the retaliation seriously damaged at least three military bases in different parts of the occupied territories. One of the destroyed targets is the Nevatim Air Base, which is believed to be among the world’s most protected sites. 

In a meeting with top Iranian military commanders last month, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei praised the Armed Forces for demonstrating Iran's power and determination through the retaliatory operation.