JERUSALEM — Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on multiple targets in Tehran on Saturday, striking facilities linked to Iran's missile production and air defense systems as the conflict with Iran entered its second month.
The Israeli military said the operation targeted infrastructure used for manufacturing naval cruise missiles and other military equipment in the Iranian capital. Additional strikes hit sites in other parts of the country, including facilities associated with Iran's missile and submarine programs. Iranian state media reported explosions in residential and industrial areas of Tehran, with emergency services responding to damaged buildings and conducting rescue operations.
The strikes come as Iran continues to enforce restrictions on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sharply reducing maritime traffic in the vital waterway. The strait normally carries about one-fifth of the world's traded oil and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas. Iran has allowed only limited approved transits while issuing warnings and carrying out attacks on vessels attempting unauthorized passage, according to officials.
Israeli officials described the latest operation as part of efforts to degrade Iran's ability to produce and launch missiles against Israeli territory. Iran has fired multiple waves of missiles and drones toward Israel in recent days, with some causing damage and injuries in Israeli cities. Israeli air defenses intercepted most incoming projectiles, though impacts were reported near civilian infrastructure.
The escalation follows weeks of exchanges that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in late February. President Donald Trump extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to April 6, citing backchannel discussions. The U.S. has increased military deployments in the region, including thousands of Marines, to support freedom of navigation and other operations.
Tens of thousands of seafarers have been affected by the near-halt in shipping through the strait, with vessels stranded or rerouted and energy markets showing elevated prices.
As of Sunday, Iranian authorities reported ongoing rescue and recovery efforts in affected areas of Tehran. The Israeli military did not provide further details on the scale of damage from its strikes. Diplomatic contacts through intermediaries continued, though both sides maintained their positions on the strait and broader security concerns. The situation in the region remained tense, with monitoring of airspace and maritime activity ongoing.
