JERUSALEM

The Israeli army said Thursday that the air force carried out strikes the previous day targeting Iranian naval infrastructure in the Caspian Sea, marking the first such attacks since the start of its offensive against Iran.

The army alleged that the strikes targeted a military port where dozens of naval vessels are docked, including missile boats and patrol ships.

The statement claimed the attacks also hit “military vessels equipped with air defense systems and anti-submarine missiles,” as well as “a central command headquarters from which Iranian naval activity in the region is managed.”

It said the strikes targeted “infrastructure designated for maintenance and repair of naval vessels,” noting that the port is used for routine and emergency naval operations.

There was no immediate comment from Iranian authorities on the claims.

Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure, while disrupting global markets and aviation.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul​​​​​​​