IDF launches wave of extensive strikes across western Iran — infrastructure targeted

The Israel Defense Forces announced at approximately 08:30 UTC on March 15, 2026 (Day 16) that it had launched a wave of extensive strikes across western Iran. The IDF statement: 'A short while ago, the IDF began a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in western Iran.' Western Iran includes IRGC command nodes, logistics centers, communications infrastructure, and military bases in provinces including Ilam, Kermanshah, Khuzestan, and Lorestan. The strikes appear timed as a response to Iran's overnight and morning ballistic missile barrages on Israeli cities, which by the time of the IDF announcement had reached at least 6-7 separate salvos targeting central Israel and Eilat since midnight UTC. The IDF confirmed the strikes via post on X (tweet ID: 2033091934042923031). Iranian FM Araghchi confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei was 'in good health and fully managing the situation' in a statement released the same morning, suggesting the Iranian leadership chain remains functional.