Tehran [Iran], March 7 (ANI): Airstrikes struck the Iranian capital in the early hours of Saturday, state media reported, in a sharp escalation of the regional conflict.
CNN published geolocated social-media footage showing Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport on fire after the strikes, with large plumes of smoke and flames rising from the facility, one of the capital’s main aviation hubs. Iran’s state broadcaster said explosions were heard and smoke was seen in eastern and western Tehran. The reports came after the Israeli military said it was carrying out a new wave of attacks on Tehran targeting regime infrastructure.
CNN teams in the region have been monitoring the rapidly developing situation. Iran, according to Fars News, launched retaliatory strikes toward Tel Aviv; a CNN team in Tel Aviv observed explosions as Israeli air defences intercepted incoming fire.
The exchange follows a week of intense military operations that have increased risks to civilians and infrastructure across the Middle East. At the same time, Saudi Arabian air defences reportedly intercepted a new aerial assault early Saturday aimed at the Shaybah oil field, Arab News said, citing the Saudi Ministry of Defence.
Ministry spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said in updates on X that 16 drones, launched in four waves, were intercepted and destroyed over the Empty Quarter while heading toward the energy facility. He also confirmed the interception and destruction of a ballistic missile and a cruise missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj. Another drone was downed east of Riyadh, marking the third straight day of attempted strikes on Al-Kharj, about 80 kilometres from the capital.
The attempt on Shaybah is the first since Feb. 28, following the start of a large US-Israeli air campaign against Iran. The escalation has prompted retaliatory strikes from Tehran against various Gulf targets, including industrial and oil infrastructure. Shaybah, deep in the Rub’ al-Khali (Empty Quarter), is a “super-giant” field that plays a key role in Saudi gas strategy, supplying natural gas liquids to the petrochemical sector via a high-tech recovery plant.
The region has seen a surge in aerial threats. Arab News reported that within 24 hours the UAE intercepted more than 125 drones and six ballistic missiles. Saudi defences on Friday thwarted five missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base and multiple drones across Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
These attacks have drawn condemnation from international bodies including the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. At an extraordinary ministerial meeting in Riyadh on March 1, the Gulf Cooperation Council affirmed member states’ collective right to defend their territories against what it called “treacherous Iranian aggression.”
After a Cabinet session led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 3, Saudi Arabia said it reserved the “full right” to respond. The Cabinet emphasized the Kingdom will take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents. (ANI)
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
