Massive aerial campaign highlights intensity of regional conflict as ceasefire remains fragile.
Israel has claimed it carried out more than 10,800 airstrikes on Iran during a nearly 40-day military campaign, marking one of the most intense aerial offensives in the region’s recent history.
According to the Israeli military, the strikes were conducted as part of a broader joint offensive alongside the United States, targeting what it described as key Iranian military and strategic infrastructure.
Extent and Intensity of the Air Campaign:
The Israeli army said its operations focused on:
- Around 4,000 strategic targets
- Approximately 6,700 military sites
- Use of over 18,000 munitions during the campaign
Dozens of fighter jets reportedly operated simultaneously, carrying out coordinated strikes across multiple regions of Iran.
Officials described the operation as aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities, including missile systems and air defence networks.
War timeline and ceasefire:
The air campaign began in late February 2026, when Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes against Iran. The conflict escalated rapidly, with Iran responding through missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and regional locations hosting U.S. assets.
After weeks of escalating violence, a temporary ceasefire was reached on April 8, brokered with the involvement of several countries including Pakistan, Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
Despite the truce, tensions remain high, and the situation is considered fragile.
Disputed Figures and Verification Gaps:
While Israel has released detailed figures regarding the scale of its airstrikes, independent verification of these numbers has not been confirmed.
The lack of independent assessment highlights the challenges of verifying wartime claims, particularly in a conflict involving multiple countries and restricted access to affected areas.
Regional and global implications:
The conflict has had far-reaching consequences:
- Increased instability across the Middle East
- Disruptions to global energy routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz
- Rising concerns over a wider regional war