Iran Launches Fresh Missile Barrage At Israel; IDF Says Air Defences Intercepting

Iran launched another wave of missiles toward Israel on Thursday, according to the Israel Defense Forces and Iranian state media, triggering air raid sirens in several locations, including Tel Aviv. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Israeli military officials said the barrage came after a pause of more than seven hours in hostilities.

“The Israeli Air Force has identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel,” the military said in a statement, adding that air defence systems were actively working to intercept the incoming projectiles.

Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, also confirmed the missile launches toward Israel.

Iranian state media reported that more than 1,000 people died in Israeli and US strikes that began last weekend as the confrontation intensifies.

Tensions sharply escalated on February 28 after joint United States–Israel airstrikes in Iran reportedly killed Ali Khamenei, the country’s Supreme Leader, along with members of his family and several senior Iranian officials.

The strikes came after diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran collapsed.

Iran Says It Was Forced to Respond

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran had attempted diplomatic avenues to prevent war but forced to respond following what he described as ‘American-Zionist military aggression’.

Addressing leaders from neighbouring Gulf countries, he said Iran respected their sovereignty and emphasised that countries in the region must maintain security through collective cooperation.

Earlier on Wednesday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel and the United States had achieved ‘historic gains’ in the ongoing conflict with Iran. It said the latest strike targeted Iran because it was allegedly rebuilding its atomic bomb programme in new underground bunkers.

The conflict has also heightened tensions across West Asia.

Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani accused Iran of attempting to draw neighbouring states into the confrontation during a call with Tehran’s foreign minister.

Meanwhile, Turkey summoned the Iranian ambassador after a missile believed to be targeting a base in Cyprus landed inside Turkish territory, raising fears of a broader regional spillover.

The continued exchange of strikes highlights the fragile security situation in West Asia as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and military actions escalate.

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