Israel intensifies strikes on Tehran as Iran vows retaliation, global leaders call for de-escalation
The military confrontation between Israel and Iran entered its fourth day on Monday, with the Israeli Air Force launching a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting Tehran and other strategic sites across Iran.
According to the Israeli military, the latest strikes focused on facilities belonging to Iran's Quds Force and its missile programme. A senior Quds Force commander was reportedly killed in the assault, which involved more than 50 aircraft and destroyed over 120 ground-to-ground missile launchers—estimated to represent one-third of Iran's missile launch capabilities.
Tehran described the attacks as 'the most powerful and destructive yet,' while confirming that Iranian air defences had downed three Israeli drones over the city of Malayer in Lorestan Province. General Mohammad Babakor, commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, vowed that retaliation would continue, claiming that Israeli losses were 'greater than reported.' He added: 'We destroyed key Israeli centres and will keep doing so.'
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the United States, accusing it of enabling Israeli aggression and violating international law. He reaffirmed Iran's adherence to Supreme Leader policies that prohibit the pursuit of nuclear weapons, even as the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that parliament is considering legislation to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military campaign would continue until Israel neutralises Iran's nuclear and missile threats. Declaring Israeli air superiority over Tehran, Netanyahu asserted, 'We are on the path to victory.' At least eight people have reportedly been killed, with dozens more wounded in the ongoing attacks.
The escalating conflict has triggered urgent international appeals for restraint. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy during a phone conversation. Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq also contacted President Pezeshkian, urging de-escalation and the revival of dialogue.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no new damage to key Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, or Khondab since the beginning of hostilities. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi praised Iran's cooperation but cautioned that the military escalation risks derailing diplomatic efforts to resolve nuclear tensions.
Iran has called on European nations to speak out against the Israeli strikes, criticising the silence of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The Foreign Ministry urged European governments to condemn what it described as attacks on nuclear infrastructure and to help halt the aggression.
Meanwhile, Iranian police announced the arrest of four individuals suspected of working as Israeli agents and revealed the discovery of a drone manufacturing facility near Isfahan. The Foreign Ministry also confirmed that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will convene an emergency meeting to address the Israeli attacks.
Amid rising regional instability, vessel tracking data showed the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz departing the South China Sea on Monday en route to the Middle East. The carrier cancelled a planned port visit to Vietnam due to what a diplomatic source described as 'urgent operational needs.'
An Israeli government adviser told The Economist that the ongoing war against Iran is costing the country more than $300 million per day. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to conduct simultaneous military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Yemen.
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