TEHRAN – In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel has issued an evacuation order for approximately 330,000 residents in central Tehran as its air campaign against Iran broadens. This warning comes on the fourth day of intensified conflict, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that recent strikes have significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear program.
The situation became even more acute with the call by the previous US President Donald Trump for the immediate evacuation of Tehran, saying on his social media site, “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.” This was seconded by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who added that Trump was cutting short his return from the G7 summit in Canada in light of the heightened confrontation.
Netanyahu highlighted the urgency of the strikes, saying they aim at Iran’s military commanders, uranium enrichment facilities, and nuclear scientists in order to keep the nation from developing its nuclear program. A minimum of 224 individuals have reportedly been killed in Iran since the conflict began, while Iranian retaliatory missile attacks have killed 24 and left more than 500 injured in Israel.
The warning by Israeli troops targets areas with principal infrastructure, such as state television and police stations. The capital city of Tehran, which has an approximate population of 9.5 million, is particularly affected, with bombing reported to interfere with live television and cause panic to its residents.
Israeli military personnel reported to have attained “full aerial superiority” over Tehran, destroying several missile launchers and command centers affiliated with Iran’s Quds Force. The battle has created fears of a full-scale war, with both countries indulging in intense missile exchanges.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has implied that the US might be involved in brokering a stop to the hostilities, holding out an offer of a halt in strikes if Israel makes the same commitment. The continued violence has caused widespread disruptions, such as airspace closures throughout the Middle East, leaving thousands stranded.
As the crisis continues to unfold, the global community observes anxiously, worried about the threat of greater escalation and the humanitarian cost of the conflict.
