Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed it launched missiles and drones towards Israel in retaliation for recent US-Israeli strikes.
“In response to the aggression of the hostile and criminal enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the first wave of extensive missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the occupied territories has begun,” the IRGC said.
United States President Donald Trump announced that the US has begun “major combat operations” in Iran following the missile attacks claimed by Israel, reports Al Jazeera.
A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera, “All American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East have become a legitimate target. There are no red lines after this aggression, and everything is possible, including scenarios that were not previously considered.”
The official also said, “The United States and Israel have started an aggression and a war that will have wide and long-lasting repercussions. We were not surprised by the joint American-Israeli aggression and we have a complex response with no time limit,” adding that any calls for Iran to show restraint or surrender are “unacceptable and mere wishful thinking.”
Multiple explosions have been reported in Tehran and other parts of Iran, while state media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian is “safe and sound.”
The senior official added that Israel should “prepare for what is coming, and our response will be public, and there are no red lines.”
President Pezeshkian on Thursday dismissed Trump’s accusation that Tehran was seeking the bomb, stating that Iran would not develop nuclear weapons.
Earlier this week, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told the UN Conference on Disarmament that Iran would “never seek nuclear weapons,” calling for full disarmament and peaceful nuclear energy use.
Air travel has been heavily disrupted in the region.
Wizz Air suspended flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman until March 7.
Lufthansa canceled flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Muscat for the weekend. KLM canceled flights from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv, while Oman Air suspended flights to Baghdad.
Russia suspended all flights to Iran and Israel.
Iraq closed its airspace, and Israel canceled all civilian flights.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks on Iran were aimed at removing an “existential threat,” adding that “joint action” by Israel and the US “will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands” and praised Trump for his “historic leadership.”
Tehran struck near Khamenei’s office
Explosions were reported near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office in Tehran, though it was unclear if the 86-year-old leader was present. Khamenei has not appeared publicly in recent days as tensions with the United States escalate, reports AP.
U.S. military buildup pressures Iran
The strikes came as Washington deployed a large fleet of fighter jets and warships to the region to pressure Iran into a nuclear deal. Although Iran claims it has not enriched uranium since June, it has blocked international inspectors from sites bombed during a 12-day conflict. Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press suggest Iran is assessing and possibly recovering material at some of these locations.
Missile ranges and concerns
Iran maintains a self-imposed limit on its ballistic missiles, restricting them to 2,000 kilometers, covering the Middle East and parts of eastern Europe. There is no public evidence Iran is pursuing intercontinental missiles, although the U.S. has raised concerns over its space program.
Explosions rock northern Israel
Hours after the Iranian strikes, northern Israel reported explosions as air defense systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles. Sirens also sounded in Jordan, and several Israeli hospitals activated emergency protocols, moving patients and surgeries underground. The United Arab Emirates closed its airspace amid heightened tensions.
Blasts across Tehran and surrounding areas
Roads near Khamenei’s compound were shut down, and additional blasts were reported across Tehran. Iraq also closed its airspace. Israeli officials said the strikes targeted Iranian military, government, and intelligence sites. Defense Minister Israel Katz described the attacks as aimed “to remove threats.”
Houthi rebels vow retaliation
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen pledged to resume missile and drone attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and Israel in support of Iran, with officials warning the first strike could come “as soon as tonight.”
The Houthis had paused attacks under agreements with the Trump administration and a ceasefire with Israel in Gaza last October.