Ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran have escalated into one of the most volatile military exchanges in recent times, with both nations suffering heavy civilian and military losses.
The conflict, now entering its fourth day, began with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations, followed by Iran’s retaliatory missile barrage on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Israel said these strikes were to prevent Tehran from building a nuclear weapon, though Iran has repeatedly denied this, saying its uranium programme is for civilian use.
However, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, warned on Monday that the people of Tehran would “pay the price” after Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv and Haifa early in the morning, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people.
Death Toll Rises on Both Sides
Israeli emergency services confirmed eight new deaths, raising Israel’s toll to 23.
In Haifa’s port area, a power plant caught fire, and residential buildings, some near the US embassy in Tel Aviv, were destroyed. An AFP journalist in Jerusalem reported hearing loud explosions and seeing multiple fires across Haifa.
Meanwhile, Iran’s health ministry, quoted by Anadolu Agency, reported 224 deaths, including 70 women and children, and over 1,200 injured, 90% of whom are civilians, said health official Hossein Kermanpour on X.
Israel’s military warned of additional missiles incoming from Iran, urging people to take shelter.
Israel’s Kan broadcaster said four areas in central Israel were hit. Missiles also struck near Shuk HaCarmel market, Petah Tikva, and a school in Bnei Brak.
In Bat Yam, a resident said, “There was an explosion and I thought the whole house had collapsed.”
Key Targets and International Fallout
Israel’s strikes reportedly killed several top IRGC officials, including Gen. Mohammad Kazemi, Gen. Hassan Mohaqqeq, and Gen. Mohsen Baqeri. Iranian media reported five deaths in a residential building in downtown Iran. Col. Reza Sayyad warned, “Leave the occupied territories… shelters will not guarantee security.”
Smoke rose in Tehran after Israeli airstrikes hit fuel depots and, reportedly, the police headquarters. Some residents fled the city, but others chose to stay.
“Naturally, war has its own stress, but I will not leave my city,” said Shokouh Razzazi.
A woman was killed in Syria’s Tartus province by what was believed to be an Iranian drone, marking the first reported death on Syrian soil in this conflict.
Israel’s military stated it was targeting surface-to-surface missile sites in Iran.
Iran executed Esmail Fekri for allegedly spying for Mossad, the third such execution recently. Both countries claimed arrests of suspected spies linked to each other’s intelligence networks.
Leadership Reactions and Political Dimensions
During a visit to a strike site, Israeli PM Netanyahu said, “Iran will pay a very heavy price for the premeditated murder of civilians, women and children.”
Trump, speaking to ABC News, said, “I hope there’s going to be a deal… sometimes they have to fight it out.”
Reuters and AFP reported that Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. “We found out that the Israelis had plans to hit Iran’s supreme leader. President Trump was against it,” said a US official.
Netanyahu told Fox News, “We do what we need to do.”
When asked about regime change, Netanyahu replied, “It certainly could be the result, because the Iranian regime is very weak.”
He also claimed Iran tried to assassinate Trump twice, saying, “Through their intel, yes; they want to kill him… he’s enemy number one.”
Trump praised Israel’s actions but said the US was not involved, although Netanyahu claimed US pilots were helping shoot down drones.
Trump suggested he’d be “open” to Vladimir Putin acting as a mediator and said, “It’s possible we could get involved.”
Two US officials told Reuters that the US military helped shoot down Iranian missiles headed for Israel. Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi claimed Tehran has “solid proof” of US support in Israeli attacks.
He said Iran’s actions were “a response to aggression,” adding, “If the aggression stops, naturally our responses will also stop.”
Iran also cancelled nuclear talks with the US, calling negotiations “meaningless” while under attack.
Latest Developments
- 8 new deaths in Israel take toll to 23, Tehran says 224 killed in Iran so far, with over 1,000 injured
- Fire seen at power plant near Israel’s Haifa port, residential buildings destroyed near US Embassy branch in Tel Aviv
- Trump reportedly vetoed the plan to target Khamenei
- Netanyahu claims Iran tried to assassinate the US president twice
- 3 more Iranian commanders killed, Tehran hanged a man on charges of spying for Mossad
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