Iran’s Air Defence Systems Heard Engaging ‘Hostile Targets’, Israel Says It Is Not Behind Attack

Last Updated:April 23, 2026, 23:47 IST

This came after Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Thursday said the country is ready to resume military action against Iran

A plume of smoke rises from the site of a strike in Tehran early on March 28, 2026. (AFP photo)

Air defence systems were engaged in parts of Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Thursday, reportedly targeting what officials described as “hostile targets”, the state-run Mehr News Agency said.

The development followed earlier reports that air defence batteries across the city had been activated and placed on high alert.

Israel Signals Readiness To Escalate Conflict

Amid rising tensions, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Thursday said the country is ready to resume military action against Iran and is waiting for approval from the United States to step up its offensive.

“Israel is ready to resume the war with Iran. The Israel Defense Forces have completed preparations for both defence and offence, and target selection has been finalised,” Katz said in a Hebrew-language video message.

He added, “We are waiting for US approval to completely eliminate the Khamenei family, the masterminds of the plan to annihilate Israel, and the successors of the leadership of Iran’s terror regime. We will blow up key energy and power facilities and collapse the country’s economic infrastructure to return Iran to darkness and the Stone Age.”

Conflict Enters Seventh Week

The conflict involving the United States and Israel has now entered its seventh week. The escalation began after the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, a development that changed the situation in the region.

Two days earlier, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that Tel Aviv sees little chance of a deal and has begun preparing for fresh military action once the ceasefire ends.

Reports On Iran’s Leadership

Iranian officials have said that the country’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is still seriously injured after a strike earlier in the conflict.

According to The New York Times, he has undergone several surgeries and is recovering from major injuries. The report said he “is still mentally sharp” despite his condition. He is also said to be slowly regaining movement in affected areas after suffering burns and other injuries.

Warning Of Intensified Offensive

Katz also warned that any renewed attack would be stronger. “This time, when the attack resumes, it will be different and lethal, adding devastating blows at the most sensitive points — following the tremendous strikes the Iranian terror regime has already sustained — that will shake and bring down its foundations,” he said.

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