The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a recording of a conversation between an Israeli and an American fighter pilot before the attack on Iran.
In the recording, an Israeli Air Force pilot praises the American military and then says he is honored to fight with his American counterpart.
“Thank you very much, the feeling is mutual. Please be careful out there. And hit hard“, the American replied.
The IDF said the recording was made before Operation Lion's Roar, which killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran, targeting multiple cities in the Islamic Republic, including the capital. In response Iran has launched missile and drone strikes against Israel and US bases in the Middle East.
On March 12, Iranian state television broadcast the first statement by the country's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. He threatened revenge against Israel and the United States for attacks on civilians in the republic and announced plans to demand compensation for the damage caused.