Israel Launches New Wave of Strikes on Iran Amid Escalating Conflict Following Khamenei’s Death
By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
March 1, 2026 – Updated 04:00 AM EST
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, Israel announced and carried out a fresh wave of airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory early Sunday morning local time, targeting key military infrastructure in and around the capital Tehran. This new phase comes mere hours after Iran’s confirmation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in the initial joint US-Israeli operation, and amid Tehran’s massive retaliatory missile barrages across Israel and US-allied sites in the Gulf.
The strikes, described by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as part of “Operation Roaring Lion,” mark a significant intensification, with Israeli aircraft reportedly penetrating Iranian airspace to hit targets “in the heart of Tehran” for the first time since the campaign began on Saturday.
Background: From Preemptive Strikes to Regime-Targeted Campaign
The conflict ignited Saturday with massive US and Israeli airstrikes under “Operation Epic Fury” (US designation), aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and top leadership. President Donald Trump announced the operation as preemptive and necessary for regional peace, later confirming Khamenei’s death as a “major victory” and calling for regime change. Israeli officials stated that Khamenei was eliminated in a precision strike on his secure compound in Tehran, using around 30 munitions.
Iranian state media initially denied the supreme leader’s death but confirmed it early Sunday, March 1, triggering 40 days of national mourning and vows of unrelenting revenge from surviving regime figures, including the IRGC.
Iran responded with an unprecedented missile and drone offensive, launching hundreds of projectiles at Israel (including direct hits in Tel Aviv causing civilian casualties) and US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan. Explosions rocked Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, with debris causing injuries, airport shutdowns, and disruptions to oil infrastructure.
Details of Israel’s New Wave of Strikes
The IDF announced the latest operation Sunday morning, stating: “The Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence, has now launched a broad wave of strikes toward targets of the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran.” Over the preceding day, Israeli forces conducted extensive operations to achieve air superiority and “open the path to Tehran.”
Key targets in this wave reportedly included:
• Ballistic missile arrays and launch sites in central and western Iran.
• Aerial defense systems, including surface-to-air missile batteries.
• Regime-linked facilities in Tehran, such as IRGC command centers and infrastructure tied to missile production.
• Additional sites in provinces surrounding the capital.
Reports from Iranian media described explosions rocking Tehran, with smoke plumes visible over military zones. The strikes followed Iran’s missile salvos, which the IDF framed as direct retaliation to degrade Tehran’s ability to launch further attacks. Israeli officials emphasized that the operation targets “Iranian terror regime” assets, not civilians, though Iran claims civilian infrastructure—including a school—has been hit in earlier waves, alleging over 100 deaths.
At least 30 sites were reportedly struck in the latest salvo, expanding on Saturday’s operations that involved around 200 fighter jets hitting approximately 500 targets across Iran.
Casualties and Immediate Aftermath
Casualty figures remain fluid and disputed. Iranian sources report hundreds of deaths from the overall campaign, including top officials (with estimates of 40 senior figures killed in initial strikes). Israel and the US have not released detailed breakdowns but stress precision targeting. Civilian impacts in Iran include unverified claims of strikes on populated areas.
In response to the new strikes, Iran’s leadership vowed continued retaliation, with hardliners promising “devastating blows.” Internet disruptions and public unrest continue inside Iran, with mixed reactions—some expressing quiet relief at Khamenei’s removal, others rallying in state-orchestrated mourning.
Broader Implications and International Reactions
This tit-for-tat cycle risks drawing the region into prolonged war. Trump warned Iran on social media of “a force that has never been seen before” if attacks continue, signaling potential further US involvement. Israel maintains the strikes aim to eliminate existential threats from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
Russia and China condemned the US-Israeli actions as aggression, while Gulf states (hit by Iranian missiles) denounced Tehran’s attacks on their soil and offered defensive support. The UN Security Council remains in emergency session, with calls for de-escalation amid fears of oil market chaos and wider proxy involvement (e.g., Hezbollah, Iraqi militias).
Analysts describe this as a high-stakes gamble: successful degradation of Iranian capabilities could reshape the Middle East, but failure risks a quagmire, leadership vacuum in Tehran, and global economic fallout.
The situation evolves rapidly. Juba Global News Network monitors developments closely. For real-time updates, refer to primary sources such as CNN, Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, and official IDF/US statements.
