Military & Defense

Israel releases the first video footage of its strikes on Iran, saying the clips show it attacking missile launchers

An infrared or thermal camera looks over a missile launcher.
A screenshot of clips that the IDF said were filmed from its attacks on a site in Iran. Screenshot via X/IDF
Read in app

The Israeli military has published some of its first official footage from strikes against Iran, saying that it has attacked "hundreds of targets" in the country's western regions on Saturday.

The clips released by the Israel Defense Forces appear to show an attack on missile launchers at a remote site in Iran. What looks like a missile and its transporter erector launcher are visible.

The extent of the damage — and the type of munitions used — remains unclear. The video ends before battle damage can be fully assessed.

Details of Saturday's joint US and Israeli strikes are still emerging, though it's clear the attack is significant in scale. Washington has amassed hundreds of fighter jets, warships, and support aircraft in the Middle East over several weeks.

President Donald Trump said that the attacks marked the start of "major combat operations."

Reported targets include the residences of top Iranian officials, such as Tehran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as military facilities.

The IDF later posted additional strike footage that appears to show several figures walking near a transporter erector launcher, or TEL.

A separate clip shows the launcher with its missile erected, before a flash covers the screen, indicating an Israeli strike.

The Israeli military said the figures spotted were Iranian troops preparing to launch a surface-to-surface missile at Israel.

"The IDF identified the threat and quickly struck the operatives and the launcher, and prevented the launch aimed toward the state of Israel," it said.

Iran has retaliated with dozens of ballistic missile strikes against neighboring countries, such as Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan, saying it is targeting US bases.

Israel has also come under attack, though initial reports indicate that the Iranian strikes against the nation have been smaller in scale compared to last June, when both countries traded blows for 12 days.

American and partner forces have been engaged in air defense operations throughout the region.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Saturday afternoon that it was also launching "dozens of drones."

February 28, 2026: This story was updated with new footage published by the IDF.

Read next

Matthew Loh Headshot
Matthew Loh
Matthew is a senior reporter at Business Insider's Singapore bureau. He covers the defense industry, military technology, and evolving tactics in Ukraine, the US, and the Asia-Pacific region.He joined the team in June 2021, previously focusing on internet crime and labor, examining how these issues impact modern society in Asia, with a particular emphasis on China.Matthew's previous work has been featured in the South China Morning Post, as well as Singaporean news companies TODAY and The Business Times.