Israel pounds Iran for third night, Tehran reports 224 killed including IRGC generals
Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes overnight into Monday, marking the third consecutive day of intense hostilities. Tehran claims 224 people have been killed—including senior IRGC intelligence officers—while Israel reports 270 inbound missiles, 22 penetrating defences and killing 14 civilians .
Over the weekend, Israel unleashed strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure—targeting sites like the Defence Ministry, missile launch areas, and energy facilities. Iran’s health ministry said around 90% of casualties were civilians . Among those killed were IRGC intelligence chief Brig. Gen. Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy .
Iran retaliated by launching over 270 missiles and drones at Israel. Though most were intercepted, 22 struck populated suburbs—killing 14 people and injuring 390 . Cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Bat Yam sounded sirens and suffered direct hits on residential buildings .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu staunchly dismissed global appeals for de-escalation, asserting that Israel will continue its campaign and hinting regime change in Iran is not off the table . He justified the strikes as necessary to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
On the battlefield, Israel claimed near-total air superiority in Iranian airspace, warning Iranian civilians to evacuate key areas. In Tehran, fires broke out at oil and gas facilities—spiking global oil prices—while Iran activated public bomb shelters .
U.S. involvement remains limited. President Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader and reaffirmed that U.S. forces would retaliate if their interests are threatened .
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have collapsed, with Tehran refusing to enter negotiations while under attack. Regional leaders and the G7 have urged restraint, but both nations show no sign of halting the offensive .
