Israeli bombings against the already 224 dead and more than 1,000 injured, according to the Iranian Ministry of Health. Most victims, according to the government, are civilians. Among the dead is Mohammad Kazemi, head of intelligence of the country’s ideological arm. He was hit on Sunday in an air strike, along with two other intelligence generals: Hassan Mohaghegh and Mohsen Bagheri. The information was released by the state agency Irnawhich classified the officers as “martyrs”.
Since Friday (13)-Thursday night in Brazil-Israel has started a large-scale air offensive against strategic targets in Iran, claiming the intention of containing the advance of the Iranian nuclear program. Among the objectives achieved are military facilities, missile deposits, the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense and centers linked to the development of nuclear weapons, such as the Innovation and Defense Research Organization in Tehran.
Bombings also caused damage to civil infrastructure. An attack on a residential building in the Iranian capital left at least five dead, according to local press. The Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of “deliberately” a government building “deliberately”, hurting several civilians.
Iran reacted with a new round of missiles launched against Israeli cities. In Israel, at least 13 people died and 380 have been injured since the confrontation. Most Iranian projectiles were intercepted by the United States System of Iron Defense, according to the Israeli government.
US President Donald Trump said his country is not directly involved in the conflict, but admitted that he can participate “if necessary.” The Iranian Chancellor, Abbas Araye, said he had “evidence” of the collaboration of US military basis in Israel’s attacks. Amid the climbing, Iranian authorities promised a “devastating” response. The Armed Forces spokesman, Colonel Reza Sayyad, even stated that “soon Israel will not be habitable.”
This is the most intense confrontation between the two countries after decades of indirect war and occasional operations. In addition to military leaders, Israel would also have killed scientists linked to the nuclear program and the Iranian army chief of staff, according to US sources.
The Israeli offensive also hit the Natanz uranium enrichment center, one of Iran’s main. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the complex’s main installation was destroyed. Iran accuses Israel of trying to sabotage nuclear negotiations with the US, which had been resumed in April. The crisis has already led thousands of people to leave Tehran, according to local authorities.