The Israeli military on Monday issued a warning for residents in parts of Tehran to evacuate ahead of planned airstrikes, claiming it has gained “aerial superiority” over the Iranian capital and control of airspace from western Iran to Tehran.
The announcement came amid escalating hostilities between the two nations, now entering their fourth day of direct confrontation, reports UNB.
Israeli forces said they intend to strike military targets in Tehran, echoing similar prior warnings issued to civilians in Gaza and Lebanon before launching air raids.
Earlier on Monday, Iranian missile attacks killed at least five people in Israel, while Israel responded by bombing over 120 missile launchers and 10 command centres in Tehran linked to Iran’s elite Quds Force. Israeli military spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin said the strikes delivered “a deep and comprehensive blow to the Iranian threat.”
Iran has launched more than 370 missiles and numerous drones at Israel since Friday, vowing continued retaliation over Israeli attacks on its military and nuclear sites. Iranian authorities reported around 1,277 wounded and officially confirmed 224 deaths, although rights groups say the actual toll may exceed 400.
In one of the Iranian barrages, a missile landed near the US consulate in Tel Aviv. No American casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, in Israel, air raid sirens and powerful explosions rocked cities including Tel Aviv and Petah Tikva, where five civilians — all in their 70s — were killed. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors under the rubble.
Despite appeals from Iran's foreign minister for a halt to hostilities if Israel reciprocates, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard vowed more “severe and precise” strikes in response to Israel expanding its offensive to include civilian infrastructure.
Amid growing concerns of an all-out war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure to maintain a firm stance, even as casualties rise on both sides.
Iran also reported the execution of a medical doctor accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, further deepening tensions between the longtime adversaries.
