IDF launches extensive strikes on western Iran — Day 16 Israeli offensive wave

The IDF launched a wide-scale wave of extensive strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian regime in western Iran at approximately 08:30 UTC on March 15 (Day 16). The IDF confirmed the operation via X post: "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 — comprising provinces including Ilam, Kermanshah, Khuzestan, and Lorestan — hosts critical IRGC logistics depots, communications relay infrastructure, pipeline networks, and military command nodes. The strikes appear timed as a direct response to Iran's overnight barrage of 7 ballistic missile salvos targeting Israeli cities from midnight to the early morning hours. The strikes mark Israel's first major offensive wave of Day 16 and signal that despite the ongoing missile exchanges, Israel is maintaining its capacity and willingness to strike deep into Iranian territory. The IDF western Iran campaign is part of a broader sustained pressure strategy targeting Iranian military infrastructure at all geographic depths.