Over 60 Killed in Tehran as Israel Strikes Iran; Iran Retaliates with Missile Barrage
Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated dramatically over the weekend as both nations launched a series of deadly strikes, pushing West Asia closer to a wider regional conflict. At least 60 people, including 29 children, were killed in Tehran after an Israeli missile hit a residential high-rise. The strike was part of a broader Israeli operation dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” which also targeted Iran’s largest gas field—considered a critical pillar of its economy.
Iran responded swiftly with a massive barrage of around 200 ballistic missiles and drones, targeting Israeli cities in four waves. While Israeli and U.S. defence systems reportedly intercepted most of them, four people were killed in the Galilee region, and dozens were injured in the retaliatory assault.
Israel’s Expanding Offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a large-scale aerial assault targeting over 150 strategic sites in Iran, including military infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and command centers. Among the high-value targets hit were locations in Natanz and Isfahan, reportedly killing several senior military commanders and nine nuclear scientists.
Netanyahu defended the strikes by declaring that Iran’s nuclear program was in the “90th minute,” adding ominously, “What they have felt so far is nothing compared with what they will be handed in the coming days.” Israel has also issued evacuation warnings to Iranian civilians near weapons production facilities, suggesting more strikes could follow.
The strike on Tehran’s residential tower, which resulted in over 60 deaths including 20 children, is being viewed as one of the deadliest aerial attacks in the Iranian capital in recent history. Footage from the aftermath showed flattened buildings and families trapped beneath the rubble. Iran’s state media accused Israel of deliberately targeting civilian zones.
Iran Hits Back, Suspends Nuclear Talks
In retaliation, Iran launched a massive wave of missiles and drones at Israel, some of which reached Tel Aviv and other key areas. While most were intercepted, at least three Israelis were killed, and over a dozen were wounded. One of the buildings hit housed Croatia’s consul and his wife, who sustained minor injuries.
Iran has also suspended nuclear talks with the United States, accusing Washington of silently backing Israeli aggression. Oman, which had been facilitating the dialogue, confirmed that negotiations had been taken “off the table.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated, “It is unjustifiable to proceed with diplomacy while barbarous Israeli airstrikes are killing our people.”
Tehran further warned that any foreign military base assisting Israel or intercepting Iranian missiles would be considered a target. A top Iranian general, Esmail Kosari, confirmed that the government is reviewing whether to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
Global Reactions and Rising Fears
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), led by China, issued a strong condemnation of Israeli actions. India, while not signing the statement, called for “dialogue and diplomacy” to prevent further escalation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after speaking with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, accused Netanyahu of trying to “drag the region into fire” and “sabotage nuclear talks.” Erdogan also warned of potential waves of irregular migration if the conflict spirals further and called Israel’s campaign a diversion from “genocide in Gaza.”
Strategic and Regional Implications
As military activity intensifies, fears are growing that the conflict could pull in other regional powers. Israel has made clear its intention to continue targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned, “If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.”
Meanwhile, Netanyahu claimed to have received “clear support” from former U.S. President Donald Trump, further complicating the international diplomatic landscape. Iran, however, warned that future retaliation would be harsher, possibly targeting bases of U.S. allies in the Gulf region.
Despite the escalation, scenes from Tel Aviv showed residents returning to public spaces, including beaches, reflecting a mix of resilience and uncertainty in the face of deepening conflict.
With more than 140 lives lost in just 48 hours, the Israel-Iran conflict is now entering one of its most volatile and dangerous phases in years, prompting urgent calls for restraint and renewed diplomacy before the region spirals into full-scale war.
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