What’s Behind the Escalating Conflict? Israeli Strikes in Iran Leave Hundreds Dead
Intensifying Airstrikes in Iran
Dubai: Early Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran's capital, resulting in a reported death toll of at least 585 individuals, according to a human rights organization. Additionally, 1,326 people sustained injuries during these attacks.
The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group identified 239 of the deceased as civilians and 126 as members of security forces. This organization has a history of providing detailed casualty figures, notably during the protests following Mahsa Amini's death, by cross-referencing local reports with a network of sources within Iran.
Iran has not consistently released death tolls amid the ongoing conflict, previously minimizing reported casualties. The last official update from Iranian authorities indicated 224 fatalities and 1,277 injuries.
As the airstrikes continued into their sixth day, uncertainty gripped the region, prompting many residents in Tehran to evacuate their homes.
Israel claims that these airstrikes are necessary to prevent Iran from advancing towards nuclear weapon capabilities. This escalation coincided with ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding a potential diplomatic agreement concerning Tehran's nuclear program, although former President Donald Trump indicated that Israel's actions followed a 60-day negotiation window.
Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, despite being the only non-nuclear state to enrich uranium to 60%, a step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. The International Atomic Energy Agency continues to conduct limited inspections in Iran, while U.S. intelligence agencies have stated they do not believe Iran is actively pursuing nuclear weapons.
Tehran Residents Flee Amid Ongoing Strikes
A significant explosion was reported around 5 a.m. in Tehran, following earlier blasts that echoed through the predawn hours. Iranian authorities have not acknowledged the attacks, which have become increasingly frequent since the Israeli air campaign began.
One of the strikes reportedly targeted the eastern neighborhood of Hakimiyeh, home to a Revolutionary Guard academy. The downtown area of Tehran saw a mass exodus, with many shops, including the historic Grand Bazaar, closing their doors. The Bazaar typically shuts only during crises, such as the 2022 anti-government protests and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Traffic congestion was evident on roads leading westward as residents sought safety.
Trump Calls for Iranian Surrender
As the U.S. deploys additional warplanes to the Middle East, Trump made several statements regarding the conflict, including a demand for 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER' via social media. He also warned Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the U.S. is aware of his whereabouts but has no immediate plans for an assassination.
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the evolving situation over the phone, according to a White House official who requested anonymity.
Iran Promises Retaliation
Iran has not yet responded to Trump's statements, but military leaders have vowed that Israel will soon face further attacks. General Abdul Rahim Mousavi, commander of Iran's army, stated in a video that the operations conducted thus far were merely warnings and deterrents, with a 'punishment operation' forthcoming.
Israel's military has advised its citizens to remain close to shelters as Iran launched new missile attacks on Wednesday, although most were intercepted, and no immediate injuries were reported. Sirens sounded in southern Israel, including in Dimona, the site of Israel's undisclosed nuclear program.
The U.S. State Department announced that the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will remain closed until Friday. Iran has been launching fewer missiles in recent barrages, with only a few fired on Wednesday, possibly due to Israel targeting many of its launch sites. In total, Iran has retaliated with approximately 400 missiles and numerous drones aimed at Israel.