TEHRAN DAILY - 16 MARCH 2026
Israel Claims Strike on Late Supreme Leader's Aircraft at Mehrabad; Iran Arrests 500 Alleged Informants; IRGC Warns USS Ford Support Facilities Now Targets
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Israel Claims Destruction of Khamenei Aircraft at Mehrabad Airport During Overnight Tehran Strikes
Israeli military stated it destroyed aircraft used by Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at Tehran's Mehrabad Airport overnight, claiming plane was used by senior Iranian officials and military figures for domestic and international travel coordination with allied countries.
Trump Assembles Coalition to Reopen Strait of Hormuz as Japan Australia Decline Naval Participation
Trump working to assemble multinational coalition to escort commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz with announcement expected this week, but Japan and Australia said no plans to send warships while UK declined Trump offer, according to Axios and Al-Monitor citing US officials.
Iran Declares USS Gerald Ford Support Facilities Legitimate Targets While Carrier Operates From Red Sea
IRGC spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters announced logistics and service centres enabling USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier in Red Sea are considered legitimate targets, while Fars News reports carrier poses direct threat to Iran.
Iran Police Chief Announces Arrest of 500 People Accused of Spying for Israel Including Coordinate Sharing
Iranian Police Chief Ahmad Reza Radan announced arrest of 500 people accused of leaking information to hostile entities, with half involving serious incidents including providing precise coordinates used to target specific sites and filming strike locations, according to Press TV and Middle East Monitor.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: The Israel Defense Forces claimed 16 March it destroyed an aircraft used by Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during overnight strikes on Tehran's Mehrabad Airport, while Iranian Police Chief Ahmad Reza Radan announced authorities arrested 500 individuals accused of sharing sensitive intelligence with hostile entities, approximately half involving serious security breaches. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that logistics and service centers supporting the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier—currently positioned in the Red Sea—are now considered legitimate military targets, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS News that Iran has not requested ceasefire negotiations and will defend itself "for as long as it takes." Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated Israel has "thousands of targets" remaining in Iran and is identifying new targets daily, while announcing plans for operations extending at least three weeks through Passover. END SUMMARY.
