The strikes were carried out using real-time intelligence and targeted locations roughly 1,000 miles from Israel within a narrow operational window. In the initial wave, 500 munitions were deployed in a coordinated effort aimed at dismantling key components of Iran’s missile and air defense systems and targeting senior military officials.
One central strike focused on a missile launch site in Tabriz, which Israeli officials said had been prepared to fire dozens of missiles at Israeli civilians. The IDF stated that this launch capability has now been severely degraded.
Israeli forces also struck a strategic SA 65 air defense system in the Kermanshah area. According to the IDF, degrading these systems expands operational freedom and aerial superiority in Iranian airspace and reduces the threat of further attacks as the operation continues.
The spokesperson said the operation disrupted imminent operational plans and removed immediate threats to both Israeli aircraft and civilians. The IDF also confirmed the elimination of several senior Iranian officials involved in shaping and executing the regime’s military strategy.
Among those named were Ali Shamkhani, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader on defense issues and secretary of the defense council; Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Mohammad Shirazi, head of the Military Bureau of the Iranian Supreme Leader for nearly four decades; Saleh Asadi, senior intelligence officer of the Supreme Command; and Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. The IDF stated that these individuals were involved in advancing ballistic missile programs, restoring Iran’s nuclear program, strengthening proxy forces, and coordinating plans for the destruction of the State of Israel.
“These are terrorists who have blood on their hands. Who are directly responsible for the deaths of thousands by terror,” Shoshani said in the statement. He added that their removal “fractures the regime’s chain of command and at its highest tier.”
🛩️THE LARGEST MILITARY FLYOVER IN IDF HISTORY:
~200 IAF jets completed a broad strike against the missile array and the aerial defense systems of the IRGC in western and central Iran.
500+ targets hit, including aerial defense systems & missile launchers in several locations… pic.twitter.com/PVOuzlOekj
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 28, 2026
Here’s what happened in the last 12 hours: pic.twitter.com/F8eUvm4eNF
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 28, 2026
On the home front, the IDF reported that Iran fired dozens of ballistic missiles toward Israel, striking residential neighborhoods and population centers. “While Israel strikes Iran’s military targets, Iran attacks Israeli civilians in their cities and homes,” Shoshani said.
He added, “Nothing makes clearer why Israel had to act when it did: to prevent a regime that deliberately attacks civilians from acquiring nuclear weapons that would threaten Israel’s very survival.” The IDF stated that some missiles were intercepted, others were neutralized before launch, and several launch sites preparing to fire were struck in real time.
“Every missile launcher we destroy is one less threat to a family sitting in a safe room,” Shoshani said. Home Front Command forces, including active-duty and reserve personnel, continue search and rescue operations and assist communities affected by missile impacts.
The Israeli Air Force continues operations over Iran, according to the spokesperson. “This is a structured and phased operation. Each stage is designed to degrade a different layer of the regime’s offensive and defensive capabilities,” Shoshani said, adding, “Our focus remains clear: systematically reduce the regime’s ability to threaten Israeli civilians and destabilize the region.”
