Airstrikes hit Tehran in the early hours of Saturday, state media reported, marking a sharp escalation in the regional conflict. Geolocated social-media footage verified by CNN showed large plumes of smoke and flames rising from Mehrabad Airport, one of Tehran’s main aviation hubs. Iran’s state broadcaster said explosions were heard and smoke was visible across eastern and western parts of the capital.
The Israeli military said it carried out a new wave of strikes on Tehran aimed at regime infrastructure. Iranian state-aligned Fars News reported that Tehran launched retaliatory strikes toward Tel Aviv; CNN reporters in Tel Aviv said explosions were observed as Israeli air defences intercepted incoming fire.
The exchange follows a week of intense military operations across the Middle East that have heightened risks to civilians and critical infrastructure. The pattern of attacks and counterattacks has extended beyond Iran and Israel.
Saudi authorities reported intercepting an aerial assault early Saturday that was headed for the Shaybah oil field. The Saudi Ministry of Defence said 16 drones, launched in four waves and travelling over the Empty Quarter, were intercepted and destroyed en route to the energy facility. Officials also reported shooting down a ballistic missile and a cruise missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, and downing another drone east of Riyadh. Saudi statements said this marked the third consecutive day of attempted strikes on Al-Kharj, which lies roughly 80 kilometres from the capital.
State reporting noted the Shaybah attempt was the first since Feb. 28, following the start of a major US-Israeli air campaign against Iran. Iranian retaliatory strikes in recent days have targeted various Gulf facilities, including industrial and oil infrastructure. Shaybah, located deep in the Rub’ al-Khali (Empty Quarter), is a “super-giant” field that supplies natural gas liquids to Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical sector via an advanced recovery plant.
The wider region has seen a surge in aerial threats. Arab News cited UAE authorities as saying Emirati forces intercepted more than 125 drones and six ballistic missiles within a 24-hour period. Saudi defences were reported to have thwarted five missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base and multiple drones over Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
International and regional bodies have condemned the attacks. At an extraordinary Riyadh ministerial meeting on March 1, Gulf Cooperation Council members affirmed their collective right to defend their territories against what they called Iranian aggression. Following a Cabinet session led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 3, Saudi Arabia said it reserved the “full right” to respond and reiterated its commitment to protecting the kingdom’s territory, citizens and residents.
This report is based on syndicated and media-source accounts as received; the publishing outlet assumes no responsibility for independent verification of all details.
