(Image source from: AFP)
Between Sunday night and early Monday, missile exchanges between Israel and Iran persisted, disregarding global calls for a halt to hostilities, which have now entered their third day. Iran accused Israel of targeting its oil refineries and claimed responsibility for the deaths of the intelligence chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and two other senior commanders. Furthermore, Iran reported that several urban areas were impacted by this latest surge of airstrikes. Iranian health officials stated that since the Israeli offensive commenced on Friday, the death toll has reached 224, with injuries reported in 1,277 individuals. Officials did not clarify how many casualties were civilians as opposed to military personnel. Israel, which aimed at Iran's nuclear capabilities and military hierarchy, contended that Tehran has launched over 270 missiles since Friday, with Israel’s air defense system intercepting most. However, 22 missiles struck residential neighborhoods, resulting in 14 fatalities and injuring 390 others.
On Sunday night, air raid sirens sounded across Jerusalem, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the approach of "Iranian missiles." A number of videos captured the intense scene of missiles flying over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, many of which were intercepted mid-flight by Israel's comprehensive defense system. In a rapid response, Israel reportedly conducted targeted airstrikes against Iranian positions, leading Iran to activate its air defense systems in the southern region, according to local news sources. Israel asserted that it enjoyed significant operational freedom within Iranian airspace and stated that its attacks on Sunday focused on the Iranian Defense Ministry, missile launch sites, and factories producing air defense components. Iran admitted that these strikes resulted in the deaths of additional high-ranking generals, including Brigadier General Mohammad Kazemi, the Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence chief, and his deputy, General Hassan Mohaqiq.
In a notable disclosure indicating Israel's readiness to escalate actions, a US official informed the Associated Press that President Donald Trump had blocked an Israeli initiative to assassinate Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, who wields extensive authority over national policy, military decisions, and the influential Revolutionary Guard. Meanwhile, India is closely monitoring the security circumstances in Iran and is in communication with its citizens and students living in the troubled region. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "In certain instances, students are being moved to safer locations within Iran with the help of the Embassy. Other possible options are also being explored. We will provide further updates. Additionally, the Embassy is in contact with community leaders regarding safety and welfare."
Israeli airstrikes have extended beyond military installations in Iran to target government structures and vital infrastructure, according to Iranian officials. Recent assaults included strikes on the Foreign Ministry and various energy facilities, notably the Shahran oil depot located north of Tehran and a fuel storage site to the south, both of which ignited flames on Sunday. Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, along with other diplomats, shared images depicting damage to the Foreign Ministry’s office and library, which were severely impacted by shrapnel. In response to increasing calls for calming the situation from the international community, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected these appeals, asserting that Tel Aviv will continue to advance its military goals. In an interview with Fox News, he implied that the ongoing conflict might lead to changes within Iran’s government. He also claimed that Israeli intelligence had discovered plans by Iran to send nuclear weapons to Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Iranian state television broadcast distressing footage from central Tehran, depicting individuals rescuing bloodied, dust-covered children from the debris of residential buildings hit by Israeli missiles. An official from the Iranian Health Ministry, Hossein Kermanpour, stated that of the 224 deaths reported on Sunday, 90% were civilians. Earlier that day, Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service reported that at least six individuals, including a 10-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl, perished when a missile hit a high-rise apartment building in Bat Yam, located just south of Tel Aviv. A local police officer informed the Associated Press that an additional 180 people were injured and seven remained unaccounted for.
In the midst of the destruction, residents, appearing disoriented and covered in dust, sifted through the wreckage to retrieve personal belongings while rescue teams searched through twisted metal and shattered glass for additional victims. Israel initiated the offensive with an unexpected strike on Friday, resulting in the deaths of several top Iranian military leaders and inflicting damage on nuclear facilities. Iran has vowed to unleash severe consequences in response. Additionally, Iran has reportedly issued threats to target U.S., U.K., and French military installations and vessels in the vicinity should they interfere with Iranian attacks on Israel.
In a related development, Donald Trump commended Israel’s military action against Iran while refuting Tehran’s assertions of direct U.S. involvement. He cautioned Iran against escalating its retaliation to include American targets. Nonetheless, two U.S. officials confirmed to the Associated Press that American forces had assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles aimed at Israel during the missile attack on Friday.
