Israel intercepts 100 Iranian UAVs; strikes Tehran's refuelling jet in Mashhad- latest updates

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Monday said that Iran had launched over 100 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) towards Israel, all of which were intercepted. “Iran sent more than 100 UAVs at Israel.

We intercepted them,” the IDF posted on social media platform X.

Iranian security forces claimed to have found a secret Israeli drone factory operating inside Iran. The report, carried by semi-official IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency and quoted by The Times of Israel, suggested that Tehran suspects more such facilities are present within its borders and has launched searches for them. Israel’s initial strikes last Friday targeted various sites inside Iran.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Israel used explosive-carrying quadcopter drones, rockets, and other advanced equipment to hit Iranian nuclear scientists, military officials, anti-aircraft systems, and missile sites. These weapons were reportedly smuggled into Iran rather than being built locally. The IDF also said that Iran continues to target Israeli civilians indiscriminately. "All Israelis are targets for the Iranian regime.

All Israelis are heroes to us," said the IDF in a separate post. The conflict remains multi-fronted. The IDF reported that Hamas had fired a projectile from southern Gaza, triggering sirens in southern Israel. In a significant long-range operation, Israeli Air Forces struck an Iranian refuelling aircraft at Mashhad Airport, about 2,300 kilometres from Israel. This is the longest-range strike since the beginning of what Israel calls “Operation Rising Lion”.

The IDF said that it is working to establish air superiority over Iranian airspace.

Israeli TV reports suggest that the military is trying to disrupt a possible Iranian missile attack by targeting launch sites. Iranian media outlets, including Mehr News Agency, showed footage of air defence systems active near Parchin, where further Israeli strikes are believed to have occurred. The IDF confirmed it had hit multiple weapon production sites in Tehran belonging to the Quds Force, the IRGC, and the Iranian military. Israeli citizens have been advised to stay near shelters as the military braces for possible missile attacks from Iran.