IDF gears up for major Middle East strikes after Iranian missile barrage

Israel is preparing for a series of large-scale strikes across the Middle East, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari revealed in a briefing.

He noted that the Israeli Air Force would continue its operations tonight, maintaining its high-intensity campaign in the region, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have been executing significant airstrikes over the past year, with more to come in response to escalating threats.

Following a massive Iranian missile strike involving 180 missiles aimed at Israel, Hagari confirmed that Israel’s and the United States' air defence systems were effective, citing strong cooperation in detecting and intercepting the attack. He mentioned that the results of the missile interception are still under review, with certain details withheld to avoid providing the enemy with critical intelligence.

The Iranian missile barrage occurred after Israeli strikes targeted leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Lebanon. Iran responded with over 500 ballistic missiles, marking a major escalation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly in hiding, issued threats in Hebrew, declaring that future Iranian strikes would be even more devastating for Israel. He vowed that with Allah's assistance, the blows against the "Zionist regime" would intensify.

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian also issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that while Iran was not seeking war, it would respond forcefully to any provocation. Pezeshkian described the recent attacks as only a fraction of Iran's military strength and urged Netanyahu not to confront Iran.

Despite rumours of a full-scale war between Israel and Iran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps dismissed these reports, stating that they were part of psychological operations intended to pressure Iranian citizens. The IRGC denied any declarations of martial law, calling the claims fabricated and misleading.

Meanwhile, Iraqi resistance groups have issued a stark warning to the U.S., threatening to target all American bases in the region if any action is taken against Iran.

In response to the growing tensions, the IDF declared a "closed military zone" near Israel's border with Lebanon, particularly around the communities of Dovev, Tzion, and Malkiya. Access to this central section of the Israel-Lebanon border is now strictly restricted as military activity intensifies.

By Tamilla Hasanova