Tehran: Paying no heed to international appeals for ceasefire, Israel and Iran continued hostilities as they exchanged missile strikes between Sunday night and early Monday. The escalation entered its third consecutive day.
According to reports, Tehran has accused Israel of targeting its oil refineries and killing the intelligence chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) along with two other senior generals. In the latest wave of airstrikes, Iran also said several population centres were hit.
According to Iranian health officials, the death toll since the Israeli offensive began on Friday has climbed to 224. Iran has also claimed that at least 1,277 others were injured. But the authorities are yet to specify how many of the casualties were civilians or military personnel.
Israel said Tehran has launched more than 270 missiles since Friday. While most were intercepted by Israel’s multi-layered air defence system, 22 managed to breach the shield, reported Associated Press. The report further claims that the missiles have hit residential suburbs, killing 14 people, and injuring 390 others.
Here are some key updates:
- Air raid sirens blared across Jerusalem late on Sunday. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed “Iranian missiles incoming”. Several videos captured the dramatic scene: missiles streaking over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Several missiles were intercepted mid-air by Israel’s multi-layered defence system.
- Israel said its Sunday strikes targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry, missile launch sites, and factories making air defence components. Iran confirmed the strikes killed more top generals, including Revolutionary Guard intelligence chief Brigadier General Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy, General Hassan Mohaqiq.
- A US official told the Associated Press that US President Donald Trump blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — the country’s highest authority. Khamenei holds sweeping powers over state policy, the military, and the elite Revolutionary Guard.
- Israeli strikes have gone beyond Iran’s military sites. It has hit government buildings and key infrastructure, according to the Iranian authorities.
- Several Foreign Ministry and energy facilities, including the Shahran oil depot north of Tehran and a fuel tank to the south, were hit on Sunday.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed mounting international calls for de-escalation. He insisted that Tel Aviv would pursue its military objectives. Netanyahu, in an interview to Fox News, suggested that regime change in Iran “could certainly be the result” of the ongoing conflict. He also alleged that Israeli intelligence had uncovered Iranian plans to transfer nuclear weapons to Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Donald Trump praised Israel’s military offensive against Iran. He has denied Tehran’s claims of direct American involvement.
- Trump has warned Iran against expanding its retaliation to hit US targets. Two US officials confirmed to the Associated Press that American forces helped intercept Iranian missiles aimed at Israel last Friday. Trump has repeatedly said Iran may choose to end the war by agreeing to tough restrictions on its nuclear program.
