Iran war: Heavy attacks hit Tehran as Israel says war in ‘new phase’
Heavy attacks were reported in Tehran as Israel declared a 'new phase' in its war with the US against Iran, following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and retaliatory missile barrages.
The Iran-Israel war has entered a new phase with heavy attacks on Tehran as Israel declares expanded operations. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated joint attacks on various sites in Iran, including the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This triggered widespread Iranian retaliation across the region. As of March 5-6, 2026, Israel has conducted its 11th wave of airstrikes on Tehran, targeting regime command centers, IRGC missile launchers, air defenses, and security headquarters. The Israeli Air Force has flown approximately 1,600 sorties into Iranian territory and dropped over 4,000 munitions, destroying around 300 Iranian missile launchers and achieving air dominance over Tehran.
Key military developments include Israeli strikes on major military compounds housing IRGC and intelligence headquarters, using over 100 fighter jets and 250 munitions. Additional targets have included police stations, Basij paramilitary sites, intelligence facilities, and nuclear-related sites like the Parchin complex. Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that Israel and the U.S. had 'not much of a choice' to strike due to Iran's plans to expand its weapons arsenal and rush nuclear development. U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth declared America is 'just getting started' with coordinated strikes, and the U.S. Senate has blocked limits on military action under President Trump.
Iran has retaliated with multiple waves of ballistic missile and drone attacks against Israel and U.S. bases in the region, though the frequency has decreased from 20+ missile barrages on February 28 to about 6 by March 3. Iranian strikes have targeted U.S. bases in the Gulf, civilian airports and ports, the UK's Cyprus base, and forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Hezbollah has joined the conflict after Khamenei's killing, firing on northern Israel, while the IDF has struck Beirut and operates in southern Lebanon. The conflict has expanded regionally with Israel striking 80 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon within 24 hours.
Casualty reports indicate Iran has suffered at least 1,230 deaths, while Israel reports 11 deaths and over 1,000 injuries from Iranian attacks. The war has caused significant economic disruption, with vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropping 90%. Iran has intensified internal security with checkpoints and internet blackouts, while schools and universities remain closed with only half of government employees reporting to offices. Iran is currently selecting a new Supreme Leader following Khamenei's death, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei emerging as a potential successor.
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