One week into the war that erupted on February 28, 2026, with US-Israeli strikes dismantling Iran's missile capabilities, Israel has announced a 'new phase' targeting the regime's foundations. This follows airstrikes by 90 Israeli aircraft on over 40 strategic sites in Tehran, amid reports of significant advances and Iranian vows of a prolonged conflict with new weapons.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced the shift, stating: 'After completing the initial surprise strike phase, in which we achieved air superiority and suppressed ballistic missiles, we will intensify attacks on the regime's foundations and military capabilities.' He hinted at 'other surprise moves' ahead.
The latest operation hit an Iranian Army headquarters and a Quds Force site in Tehran using 200 munitions. Over the week, Israel and the US have targeted hundreds of missile launchers, especially in western Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised US-Israel 'historical cooperation,' vowing forceful action against 'the terrorist regime in Tehran.' US President Donald Trump said allied forces are 'devastating Iran like never believed possible' by destroying missile and drone assets.
Iran's Martyrs Foundation reports 1230 deaths from the bombings, while Iranian strikes killed 10 in Israel. Revolutionary Guard spokesman Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini warned of a 'long war' and 'new strategic weapons.' Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait intercepted Iranian projectiles.
The war now spans 13 countries in opposing blocs, with mass evacuations in Lebanon after Israeli strikes on over 500 Hezbollah targets. The IMF cautioned that the conflict heightens global economic uncertainty.