Israel launches new strikes on Iran as war enters next phase

The Israel Defense Forces have launched large-scale strikes on fuel facilities in Tehran, targeting oil storage sites as Israel moves into what it describes as the next phase of its war against Iran.

In a statement, the Israeli military said the attacks were aimed at strategic targets linked to Iran’s military infrastructure.

“This is a significant strike that represents an additional step in deepening the damage inflicted on the military infrastructure of the Iranian terrorist regime,” the IDF said.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes are directed at facilities that support the activities of Iran’s armed forces.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff of the IDF, Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, said Israel was moving into the next phase of its operation against Iran, though specific details had not been disclosed at the time.

Regional tensions escalated sharply on February 28 when Israel and the United States carried out major strikes on Iran, during which Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed.

In response, Iranian forces launched attacks against Israel and several countries in the Middle East, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Azerbaijan. A British military base in Cyprus was also reportedly targeted, raising concerns in Europe about the possible expansion of the conflict.

This week Israel said it would intensify air strikes on underground facilities where Tehran is believed to store ballistic missiles.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said he wants a complete change of leadership in Iran and claimed he has several candidates in mind who could serve as a “good leader” for the country.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran is prepared for a potential ground invasion by US forces. He rejected any negotiations with Washington and stressed that Iran had not requested a ceasefire despite strikes carried out across the country by the United States and Israel.

On Friday, Western media reported that Russia had been sharing intelligence with Iran about the locations of US military facilities.

A day later, Trump warned that Iran could face a “very serious strike” from the United States and Israel on the night of March 8.

Following a series of attacks carried out by Hezbollah, there has also been speculation that the Israeli military could use its laser-based air defence system, known as Iron Beam, in combat for the first time.