During the joint U.S.–Israel operation against Iran that began on February 28, U.S. Air Force F‑16s became a key component of the air campaign. At least seven F‑16 squadrons were sent to the CENTCOM area of responsibility. Their missions included SEAD (suppression of enemy air defenses) with AGM‑88 HARM missiles, precision strikes on ground targets, long‑range JASSM cruise missile attacks deep into Iranian territory, and the first operational use of the Angry Kitten electronic‑warfare suite. The Swamp Foxes squadron’s Block 52 aircraft were the first to employ Angry Kitten, while the Warhawks’ Block 50 aircraft conducted specialized SEAD missions. Images released from the Tigers squadron show some jets returning from missions with markings of destroyed air‑defense systems and ground targets on their airframes.