Between 20 and 30 commercial aircraft have been destroyed during the US-Israeli war on Iran, the head of the country’s state-owned flag carrier says, Anadolu reports citing the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

Taher Abdolhai, Chief Executive Officer of Iran Air, has said at a news conference that Iran needs approximately 1,000 passenger aircraft, but currently only has around 300.

Of those, between 130 and 140 aircraft were operational before the war, with 20 to 30 destroyed during the conflict, he adds.

Abdolhai also says between 70 and 80 aircraft were targeted during the war.

He claims Israeli attacks caused particularly severe damage to Iran Air aircraft, saying some planes belonging to other operators were struck by single missiles, while one of his carrier’s aircraft was completely destroyed.

The airline chief also says international sanctions and restrictions have gradually weakened Iran Air’s operations, reducing its operational fleet and limiting access to profitable routes. He cites difficulties obtaining spare parts, financial constraints and staffing challenges as major obstacles facing the airline.