TEHRAN: The military of Iran said it launched a fresh wave of missile attacks targeting positions linked to the United States and Israel, claiming that more than 40 missiles were fired during the latest retaliatory operation. Iranian officials also reported that 10 drones belonging to the two countries were destroyed during the confrontation.
According to international media reports, Iranian authorities stated that the strikes were carried out in response to recent US and Israeli attacks. Military officials said American bases located in Kuwait and Bahrain were among the targets of the operation.
An Iranian military spokesperson warned that Tehran could strike Israeli nuclear facilities if Washington and Tel Aviv attempt to force a regime change in Iran.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed that Iran launched several missile barrages toward Israel early Thursday, prompting sirens and security alerts across multiple areas. Explosions were reportedly heard in Jerusalem, although no immediate casualties were reported.
The Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom said it had not received any reports of injuries following the missile launches, and authorities later allowed residents to leave their shelters after the situation eased.
In a separate development, the Iran-backed group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone strike targeting a military installation south of Tel Aviv, saying the drone was aimed at an Israeli Iron Dome air defense system radar site.
Earlier, Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut on Wednesday, killing three people and injuring six others.
The intensifying conflict has also disrupted regional aviation, with reports indicating that more than 20,000 flights across eight countries have been cancelled over the past five days due to security concerns. Flight operations from Pakistan to several Middle Eastern destinations have also been affected, with at least 145 flights cancelled for the sixth straight day.
Separately, the defence ministry of Saudi Arabia said its forces intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles near the city of Al-Kharj, adding that no casualties were reported.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), more than 1,000 civilians have been killed in the ongoing US-Israeli strikes across Iran since Saturday. The group reported at least 1,097 civilian deaths and more than 5,000 injuries, including 181 children under the age of ten. It added that an additional 880 reported deaths are currently under review for confirmation.
