The conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated significantly as it enters its fourth day, indicating a deepening crisis that could spiral further out of control if diplomatic efforts fail to intervene.
In the latest round of intense exchanges, the fighting has resulted in over 230 casualties on both sides within the last 24 hours. Mutual evacuation orders have been issued as airstrikes continued, hitting military and civilian areas in Israel as well as military and media sites in Iran.
Israel has called for a large-scale evacuation in Tehran, following threats of extensive air raids that targeted the national broadcasting building, causing a temporary halt in transmissions before they resumed. A particularly alarming threat mentioned the potential assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that eliminating Khamenei could “put an end to the conflict.”
In a recent interview with ABC News, Netanyahu addressed reports claiming that former President Donald Trump opposed an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, fearing it might escalate tensions further. He insisted that this move would not heighten conflict but rather settle it.
Netanyahu asserted, “Iran seeks endless war, pushing us to the brink of a nuclear confrontation… Israel’s actions aim to prevent this and confront the forces of evil.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed these sentiments, reiterating threats against Khamenei. He stated, “We targeted the Iranian regime’s broadcasting agency, which is responsible for propaganda and incitement… We will strike the Iranian dictator wherever he may be,” referring to Khamenei.
Yesterday morning, Iran launched over a hundred ballistic missiles along with numerous drones aimed at key Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, Bat Yam, and Petah Tikva. This offensive resulted in the deaths of 11 Israelis and injured at least 270. Prior to this, Iran fired 30 missiles, most of which reached Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Israeli military sources reported that some drones breached air defenses, causing significant damage to infrastructure and residential buildings. Iranian missiles reportedly destroyed shelters and a fortified room in “Netah Tikva,” a western suburb of Tel Aviv, while Haifa suffered damage to a major oil refinery and a power plant due to missile strikes.
Israel has issued direct warnings for residents in the “third zone” of Tehran to evacuate immediately, signaling an intention to widen military operations.
The latest evacuation advisory concerns about 330,000 people living in a part of Tehran that includes the headquarters of the state television, police stations, and three major hospitals, one of which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard.
Prime Minister Netanyahu urged Tehran’s residents to leave the city, stating during a visit to an Israeli air force base, “We are on the path to achieving two objectives: neutralizing the nuclear threat and eliminating the missile threat.”
He added, “Once we gain control of the airspace over Tehran, we will strike these targets related to the Iranian regime.”
The Israeli air force has indeed launched a series of intensive air raids on targets within and around Tehran, hitting facilities related to the Revolutionary Guard, missile launch sites, and oil facilities. Reports also mentioned strikes on government buildings and a hospital in western Tehran.
Later, Iranian state media announced that Iranian air defenses had shot down another F-35 aircraft in Tabriz, having previously reported the downing of two such aircraft on the first day of the conflict.