Israel launches fresh wave of 'extensive' airstrikes on Iran

2026-03-09 - 12:23

A military statement confirmed the strikes targeted Tehran, Isfahan and southern Iran but provided no specific details about the precise objectives or extent of damage caused by the operation. The announcement comes as part of an ongoing aerial campaign that began with joint US-Israeli attacks on Feb. 28, which have significantly escalated regional tensions and drawn retaliatory responses from Tehran. Campaign continues amid leadership transition The sustained military pressure follows the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial wave of strikes, along with more than 1,200 other Iranians, according to Iranian health authorities. The death toll includes senior military officials, with the Health Ministry reporting that nearly 30 percent of victims are children. Iran's Assembly of Experts moved swiftly to appoint Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the slain leader's second-eldest son, as the new supreme leader on Sunday, signaling continuity in Tehran's leadership despite the devastating blow. Iran maintains retaliatory operations In response to the ongoing attacks, Tehran has launched multiple waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf nations hosting American military assets. The retaliatory operations have expanded the conflict's geographic scope, drawing in neighboring countries and threatening critical infrastructure including energy facilities. Gulf states have increasingly found themselves caught in the crossfire, with some seeking external assistance to counter Iranian drone threats. Regional implications and Türkiye's position The expanding conflict presents significant challenges for regional stability, with the potential to disrupt energy supplies, shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, and delicate political balances across the Middle East. For Türkiye, which shares a border with Iran and maintains substantial economic and diplomatic ties with all parties, the escalating war poses risks to trade, energy security and regional equilibrium. Ankara continues to monitor developments closely while advocating for restraint and diplomatic solutions as the conflict threatens to further destabilize an already volatile region.