Israel launched more than 10,800 attacks in response to Iran's 650 missile strikes: an account of the 40-day war

On Wednesday—40 days after the commencement of the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran—a ceasefire was declared. Grim statistics have emerged regarding this conflict, which spanned 40 days. According to figures released by the Israeli military, Iran fired 650 ballistic missiles at Israel during this war.

Specifically, according to Israeli military officials and political leaders, on February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel jointly launched a campaign against Iran. The objective of this campaign was to degrade the Iranian regime's military capabilities, neutralize threats posed by Iran—including its nuclear and ballistic missile programs—and create conditions conducive to the Iranian people overthrowing the regime.

Missiles Land in Populated Areas

According to the Israeli military, Iran fired approximately 650 ballistic missiles at Israel during the fighting. More than half of these missiles were equipped with cluster munitions, which detonate indiscriminately across wide areas. At least 16 missiles—carrying conventional warheads packed with hundreds of kilograms of explosives—struck populated areas within Israel, causing extensive damage. In retaliation, Israel launched over 10,800 airstrikes, severely crippling Iran's military infrastructure.

Furthermore, there were approximately 50 incidents in which missiles carrying cluster-munition warheads landed in populated areas. The missile attacks carried out by Iran resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Israeli and foreign nationals. Additionally, four Palestinians were killed in the West Bank. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 7,000 people were injured in Israel.

When and How Many Missiles Did Iran Fire?

Immediately following the joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Tehran on the first day of the war, Iran fired approximately 80 missiles at Israel. The following day, Iran fired approximately 60 missiles, and on the third day, about 30. Subsequently, until a ceasefire was reached, Iran fired an average of 10 to 20 missiles daily.

According to the Home Front Command, more than 5,500 Israeli civilians were displaced due to damage caused to their homes by missile attacks launched by Iran.

Israel Strikes Iran More Than 1,000 Times

The Israeli military reported that, during the conflict, the Israeli Air Force dropped over 18,000 bombs across more than 1,000 waves of attacks against Iran. According to the IDF, over 10,800 separate strikes were carried out against more than 4,000 targets—including air defense systems, ballistic missile launchers, weapons production sites, nuclear facilities, various headquarters, and military commanders and leaders.

According to the military, Israel destroyed or neutralized approximately 60% of Iran's estimated 470 ballistic missile launchers. The military stated that about 200 of these launchers were destroyed in direct strikes, while another 80 were deemed neutralized after the Air Force attacked the tunnel entrances of the underground facilities where these launchers were housed.

The IDF reported that more than 300 targets related to Iran's air defenses—including missile launchers and radar systems—were struck. These attacks resulted in the destruction of approximately 85% of Iran's air defense and detection systems.