The Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes against missile-related infrastructure and military facilities in western and central Iran on Monday, Feb. 28, 2026 [1, 2].
These strikes represent a significant escalation in regional tensions, as Israel directly targeted strategic assets deep within Iranian territory to degrade its long-range strike capabilities.
Reports indicate that the Israeli Defence Forces hit multiple targets at a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr, located in southwest Iran [1]. Simultaneously, explosions were heard across the capital city of Tehran, signaling that the operation spanned several regions of the country [2, 3].
Israel said the targeted sites were part of Iran’s missile infrastructure that posed a direct threat to Israeli security [1, 3]. The operation focused on neutralizing facilities used for the production and storage of missiles, assets that the IDF identified as critical risks.
While the strikes hit diverse locations, the focus remained on military and industrial sites. The coordination of attacks in both the industrial hub of Mahshahr and the political center of Tehran suggests a wide-reaching aerial campaign designed to disrupt Iranian military logistics [1, 2].
Iranian officials have not yet provided a full accounting of the damage or casualties resulting from the Monday morning raids. The Israeli military said the actions were necessary to prevent future attacks against its own borders [1, 3].
“Israel launched fresh airstrikes on missile‑related infrastructure and other military facilities in western and central Iran.”
By targeting both the capital and industrial complexes like Mahshahr, Israel is demonstrating its ability to penetrate Iranian airspace and strike high-value targets simultaneously. This strategy aims to deter further missile development and signal that no facility within Iran is beyond the reach of the IDF, potentially forcing a shift in Iran's strategic calculations regarding its missile program.
