Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it successfully struck an Israeli F-16 fighter jet in central Iranian airspace, even as Israel launched a large-scale wave of strikes targeting missile production facilities in Tehran.

In a statement carried by its official outlet Sepah News, the IRGC said the aircraft was hit at 3:45 a.m. local time by air defense systems operated by its Aerospace Division. It further claimed that since the conflict with the United States and Israel began late last month, Iranian forces have intercepted more than 200 hostile aerial targets, including drones, cruise missiles, and fighter jets.

The claim comes amid intensifying hostilities between the two sides. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed conducting overnight strikes in Tehran, focusing on facilities linked to the production of critical components for ballistic missiles. According to Israeli officials, the attacks caused significant damage and are expected to hamper Iran’s missile manufacturing capabilities.

The latest developments follow the joint U.S.-Israel strikes launched on February 28, which targeted Tehran and other Iranian cities. The attacks reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with senior military commanders and civilians, marking a major escalation in the conflict.

Iran has since retaliated with waves of missile and drone attacks aimed at Israel and U.S. assets across the Middle East, raising fears of a broader regional war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s stance on the conflict, stating that the country is not seeking a temporary ceasefire but a “complete, comprehensive and lasting end” to the war. In remarks reported by Kyodo News, Araghchi described the U.S.-Israeli strikes as an “illegal, unprovoked act of aggression” and urged the international community to respond.

He emphasized that any resolution must include guarantees against future attacks and compensation for damages inflicted during the conflict. While diplomatic efforts are ongoing, Araghchi said the United States has yet to demonstrate seriousness in pursuing a genuine resolution.

At the same time, Iran signaled a willingness to ensure safe passage for Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments, with negotiations ongoing.

Araghchi also issued a warning to the United Kingdom, cautioning that any expansion of British involvement would trigger a response from Tehran. British officials, however, have warned Iran against targeting UK interests, underscoring the growing risk of further escalation.