Reuters: Israel to hit Iran's underground missile sites in second phase of war

Israel's war in Iran is entering a second phase that will see its fighter jets attacking ballistic missile sites buried ​deep underground, Reuters reports, citing two sources familiar with Israel's military campaign.

The joint US-Israeli air campaign in Iran is approaching the end of its first week, following initial strikes that killed key Iranian leaders and triggered a broader regional conflict, with Iranian attacks reported in Israel, the Gulf, and Iraq, and Israeli strikes hitting targets in Lebanon.

Israeli officials say hundreds of Iranian missile launchers above ground, capable of striking Israeli cities, have been destroyed.

According to sources speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the operations, the next phase will focus on underground bunkers housing ballistic missiles and associated equipment.

One source indicated that Israel’s objective is to eliminate Iran’s ability to conduct aerial attacks on Israeli territory by the conclusion of the campaign, which also targets the Islamic Republic’s leadership.

A military spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment on upcoming operations, though previous statements confirmed that Israeli and US forces gained control over significant portions of Iran’s airspace during the opening days of the offensive.

By Jeyhun Aghazada