Tel Aviv, Feb. 28 -- In a major escalation of regional hostilities, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday confirmed a short while ago that missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israeli territory following a joint US-Israeli "pre-emptive" strike on Iranian territory.

According to the IDF, defensive systems were immediately activated to intercept the incoming threat, underscoring Israel's layered missile defence capabilities.

The Home Front Command has issued precautionary directives via mobile phone alerts to citizens in affected areas, instructing them to seek immediate shelter.

"A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the p...