In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran has launched another major attack on Israel, with missile and drone strikes triggering air raid sirens in key Israeli cities, including Haifa and Tel Aviv.
Iranian state media reports this is the ninth such attack on Israeli territory in recent weeks, as Tehran continues its campaign of retaliation following what it describes as “Zionist crimes.”
According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the latest wave of attacks is far from over. In a statement, the IRGC said, “The attacks will continue until morning.” The Iranian military claims it has launched both drone and missile strikes, framing the operation as part of its campaign to avenge the deaths of innocent civilians.
In response, Israeli authorities have instructed citizens to immediately seek shelter in safe places. Emergency sirens were activated in multiple locations, while Israel’s air defense systems were reportedly intercepting incoming threats.
Israel’s Haifa-based Bazan Group said all refinery facilities have been shut down after a power station used to produce steam and electricity were significantly damaged in an attack by Iran, according to a regulatory filing on Monday.
The group said the Iranian attack resulted in the death of three company employees. The refinery is located in Haifa Bay, according to Israeli media.
Three Iranian Red Crescent workers were also killed in an Israeli strike during rescue operations in Tehran, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported.
Iranian leadership speaks out
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a defiant message amid the ongoing conflict, declaring: “With God’s help, victory is near. We will defeat the Zionist entity.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian also took a firm stand, stating that Israel “will pay the price for its foolish aggression with regret.” Emphasizing Iran’s resolve, Pezeshkian added: “The flag that falls from the hands of every commander will be raised by a new commander and will enter the battlefield.”
The Iranian president confirmed a phone call with his Turkish counterpart earlier in the day, during which he stressed that Iran “did not start the war” and is only giving a “full response to the crimes of the Zionists.”
“They will receive a response at the same level at which they attack,” he warned.
Netanyahu doesn’t rule out killing Iran’s supreme leader
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the elimination of Iran’s nuclear program is Israel’s top strategic objective, emphasizing that his country is “on the path to victory” in its escalating conflict with Iran.
In a particularly controversial exchange during the ABC News interview, Netanyahu was asked about reports that Israel had proposed targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — a plan reportedly rejected by US President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu did not deny the report and instead asserted, “It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict.”
He refused to confirm if Israel would specifically target Khamenei, stating only, “I’m not going to get into the details, but we’ve targeted their top nuclear scientists,” Netanyahu said. “It’s basically Hitler’s nuclear team.”
Israeli airstrike hits Iran’s state TV, radio in Tehran
The Israeli Air Force on Monday bombed the headquarters of Iran’s state radio and television broadcaster, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), during a live TV broadcast.
The unprecedented strike, which targeted the IRIB complex in Tehran, temporarily disrupted programming and sent shockwaves through the region.
Footage of the incident shows a visibly shaken anchor at the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) speaking live when the studio was suddenly rocked by an explosion. Dust and debris quickly filled the room as the screen behind her flickered and went dark. The presenter rushed off-camera while cries of “Allahu Akbar” could be heard in the background. The broadcast was immediately replaced with pre-recorded content.
Iranians flee Tehran for safety
Thousands of residents of the Iranian capital, Tehran, are fleeing their homes and stockpiling essential supplies for fear that Israel’s airstrike campaign against longtime foe Iran will escalate in the coming days.
The Israeli military has warned Iranian civilians in a series of messages to leave some areas for their own safety, raising the prospect of a widening barrage of aerial attacks.
Iranian authorities have rejected the messages as “psychological warfare” and urged the population not to panic, although state television has aired footage of traffic jams on roads leading out of the capital.
