Tel Aviv (AFP): In a major escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, the Israel Defence Forces says it conducted what it describes as the “largest military air raid in the history of the Israeli Air Force,” deploying around 200 fighter jets against military targets in Iran on Saturday, marking a significant intensification of hostilities between the two regional powers.
The strikes reportedly aimed at missile launchers, aerial defence systems and strategic defence infrastructure across western and central Iran, with the military stating that hundreds of munitions were released against approximately 500 objectives.
‘Largest Ever’ Air Raid, 200 Fighter Jets Deployed
In a military statement, the Israeli army said approximately 200 fighter jets completed an “extensive attack” on Iran’s defence systems and missile arrays, calling it the largest air attack in the Air Force’s history.
The Israel Defence Forces also announced a new wave of strikes targeting missile launchers and air defence installations in central Iran late Saturday, suggesting the operation is ongoing.
Explosions Across Wealthy Gulf as Iran Retaliates
Following the Israeli-led attack on Iranian soil, Iran launched a widespread missile counter-offensive across the Persian Gulf region, targeting U.S. military bases and allies hosting Western forces, triggering explosions and air defence activations in several nations.
Blasts were reported in capitals including the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai), Qatar (Doha), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Bahrain (Manama), and Kuwait.
In the UAE, authorities confirmed their air defence systems intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles, though debris from an interception in Abu Dhabi struck a civilian, killing at least one Pakistani national, according to diplomatic sources.
Regional Defence and Airspace Closures
Air raid sirens sounded across the Gulf as countries activated missile defence systems. Several nations, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, temporarily closed their airspaces amid the exchange of strikes.
Qatar’s air defence reportedly intercepted incoming missiles near the Al Udeid Air Base, a key U.S. military facility hosting thousands of personnel.
Global and Regional Impact Worsens
The cross-border exchanges mark one of the most serious escalations in the Iran-Israel conflict in years, with repercussions spreading beyond military fronts into regional stability and international diplomacy. Experts warn the situation could further affect global oil markets, international travel routes and strategic alliances if tensions continue to rise.
