Tehran residents may face repercussions following Israel's nighttime bombings, according to Israel's threats.
Smoke fills the skies of Haifa after another round of Iranian missile strikes.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened reprisals against Tehran, stating that "the residents of this cowardly regime will pay the price for directly attacking Israeli civilians."
In a bold move, Iran launched a barrage of missile attacks on Israeli cities early Monday, following Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets deep within Iran. Both sides are now threatening further devastation.
Images obtained by AFP show burned-out residential buildings in Tel Aviv and simmering fires outside Haifa, after Israel's army warned civilians to seek shelter from incoming Iranian missiles. Explosions echoed through Jerusalem, and Israeli air defenses lit up the skies.
For decades, enmity between Iran and Israel has simmered, with a protracted shadow war fought through proxies and covert operations[1]. Israel's surprise assault on Iran has sparked the most intense fighting yet and raised fears of a prolonged conflict that could engulf the Middle East.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Israel has targeted Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, drawing criticism and concern from some world leaders[1][2]. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged both parties to "make a deal" but ambiguously stated, "Sometimes, they have to fight it out."
Monday's Iranian missile attack followed Israeli airstrikes on central Iran, targeting surface-to-surface missile sites[1]. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards vowed to retaliate with "effective, targeted, and more devastating operations"[3].
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment site experienced a sudden loss of power, leading to possible damage to the centrifuges there[1]. Israeli strikes on a workshop near Kermanshah reportedly damaged Farabi Hospital[4].
Residential areas in both countries have suffered casualties since the hostilities began, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning Iran for targeting civilians and vowing severe reprisals[5]. Iranian officials, including the president, have encouraged citizens to rally together in the face of this "genocidal criminal aggression."
Despite the ongoing conflict, some Tehran residents remain defiant and have chosen to stay, determined to protect their city from the chaos[5]. The world watches, praying for a peaceful solution to this dangerous standoff between these ancient foes.
Sources:
- Syria, Iran, Lebanon and Hezbollah in Israel's Cross-hairs
- US, allies warn of ‘strong response’ to Iran attacks on American interests
- Iran vows 'harsh revenge' after Israel strikes in Run-up to Iran Nuclear Talks
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim success amid renewed Israel strikes
- Iran claims Israel targeted residential building, more than a dozen killed in its attacks since Friday
War-and-conflicts have escalated between Israel and Iran, as political tensions surrounding their long-standing enmity have resulting in general news of ongoing violence. The escalation of violence, including crime-and-justice concerns such as the alleged targeting of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by Israel, has raised concerns among world leaders and drawn criticism for its potential consequences.
