JERUSALEM — Israeli forces launched airstrikes on multiple targets in Tehran early Friday, targeting weapons manufacturing and air defense sites as the conflict with Iran entered its second month.
The Israeli military said the operation hit infrastructure used for producing naval cruise missiles and other military equipment in the Iranian capital. Strikes also occurred in other parts of the country, including facilities linked to 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.
The strikes come amid ongoing Iranian restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has sharply reduced commercial traffic in the vital waterway. Iran declared the strait largely closed to vessels associated with its adversaries following U.S. and Israeli military actions that began in late February. Only limited transits by ships from certain countries have been permitted in recent weeks, according to Iranian 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 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 have included U.S. support for Israeli operations. President Donald Trump has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to April 6, citing backchannel discussions, while warning of potential further action against Iranian energy infrastructure if the waterway remains restricted. The strait carries about one-fifth of global oil trade under normal conditions.
Tens of thousands of seafarers have been affected by the near-halt in shipping, with vessels stranded or rerouted. Oil prices have risen significantly since the conflict began, contributing to market volatility.
As of Friday morning, Iranian authorities reported rescue operations underway 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.
