Iran launched a wave of drone and missile strikes targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, state media reported on Tuesday, in a sharp escalation of regional tensions following an Israeli airstrike on Tehran.
Iranian state television confirmed the attacks and described them as a direct response to Israel’s earlier bombing of its broadcasting authority in the Iranian capital. The Israeli strike reportedly occurred while the station was airing live, drawing international condemnation.
Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the Israeli military had targeted Iran’s state broadcaster, saying it was a “strategic facility used for propaganda and command purposes.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the Israeli strike, warning that it marked a dangerous new precedent. “CPJ is appalled by Israel’s bombing of Iran’s state TV channel while live on air,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s Middle East regional director. “This bloodshed must end now.”
The latest round of cross-border attacks has added to already soaring casualties. Iranian officials said more than 220 people have been killed in recent Israeli strikes on Tehran, including 70 women and children. Meanwhile, over 20 people have reportedly died in Iranian strikes on Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said that killing Iran’s Supreme Leader would “end the conflict,” though the remark has not been officially confirmed by the Israeli government.
In the US, Senator Bernie Sanders criticised Netanyahu, accusing him of provoking the confrontation. “Netanyahu started this war by attacking Iran,” Sanders posted on X, claiming the Israeli leader assassinated Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Ali Shamkhani and deliberately disrupted nuclear diplomacy. He warned the US must not be “dragged into another illegal Netanyahu war.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s war on Gaza continues, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting at least 55,432 people killed and more than 128,900 wounded. Israel has cited the October 7 Hamas-led attacks, in which around 1,139 people were killed and more than 200 abducted, as the trigger for its military campaign.
Trump calls for immediate evacuation of Tehran
US President Donald Trump has called for the immediate evacuation of Tehran, warning against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Iran activates air defences over key nuclear site in Natanz
Air defences have been activated in Natanz, central Iran, home to key nuclear installations, according to Iranian news outlet Asriran.
Critical sections of the Natanz facility are located deep underground, providing protection against all but the most powerful bomb attacks.
