BREAKING: Israel launches airstrikes on Iranian strategic defence systems after missile barrage

Middle East

TEL AVIV, Israel (NPA) — The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has announced the completion of a large-scale air operation targeting strategic air defence systems across Iran, days after Tehran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes were aimed at dismantling key defence installations that Iran had been rebuilding following damage sustained during previous Israeli military operations.

“The IDF completed a large-scale strike on strategic defence systems belonging to the Iranian regime,” the military said in a statement.

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Israeli authorities stated that the targeted systems formed part of Iran’s efforts to restore military capabilities that had been degraded during what the IDF referred to as “Operation Roaring Lion.”

The military said the operation resulted in the destruction of several strategic air defence assets deployed across the country.

The latest strikes mark a significant escalation in the growing confrontation between Israel and Iran, which has intensified following a series of military exchanges involving Iran and Iran-backed groups in the region.

Earlier, the IDF said its air defence systems intercepted multiple ballistic missiles launched by Iran toward northern Israel.

Air raid sirens were activated across several parts of the country after the missiles were detected heading toward Israeli territory.

“The IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said at the time.

Israeli authorities did not immediately release details regarding casualties or damage resulting from the missile attacks.

Iran, however, said the missile barrage was carried out in response to recent Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and the Dahieh suburb of Beirut, a known stronghold of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The Iranian response came after Israel launched strikes against Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in Lebanon, including what the IDF described as command centres and underground military facilities linked to the group.

The latest developments underscore mounting tensions across the Middle East, raising concerns about the possibility of a broader regional conflict involving Israel, Iran and allied armed groups.

More details are expected as military authorities on both sides continue to assess the situation.