Iran's Khamenei hides in bunker as Israel launches devastating attack; Netanyahu urges civilians to evacuate Tehran

TEL AVIV: As the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies, the death toll continues to climb on both sides. Since the offensive began on Friday, Iran has reported 224 fatalities, while Israel has confirmed 24 deaths.

Israel is reportedly targeting Iran’s top leadership. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is believed to be in hiding with his family in an underground bunker located in Lavizan, northeast Tehran. Although Israel had plans to assassinate Khamenei on Friday itself, the attempt was reportedly blocked by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Brigadier General Mohammad Kazemi, head of intelligence for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in an Israeli airstrike yesterday. Mohsen Bakri, the intelligence chief of the IRGC’s Quds Force, and his deputy Abdu al-Fadl Nikouei were also killed. Explosions were reported at the Foreign Ministry and at the Parchin military facility, a key site for nuclear weapons research. Additionally, five car bombs exploded in Tehran.

Israel has claimed full control over Tehran’s airspace and has warned of further intensified attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged civilians to evacuate the city. Last night, an airstrike followed this warning.

Israeli missile hits state TV headquarters
An Israeli missile struck the headquarters of Iran’s national television channel, the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). The missile hit during a live news broadcast, causing debris to fall into the studio. The anchor managed to escape unharmed, and broadcasting resumed just minutes later. Reports indicate multiple journalists were killed in the attack. A field reporter, injured and bleeding, continued reporting and defiantly challenged Israel to strike again.

The airstrike came shortly after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Iran’s national broadcaster would soon be “neutralized.”

Iranian missiles penetrate Israel’s Iron Dome

• Iran successfully launched ballistic missiles that bypassed Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system, striking Tel Aviv, Haifa, Bnei Brak, and Petah Tikva early yesterday.
• Eight people were killed and 300 injured. The U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv sustained damage, though all personnel were reported safe. Separately, Israel intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Israeli bombers travel 2,300 km to strike Iran

• For the first time, Israeli warplanes flew 2,300 kilometres to bomb Mashhad Airport in northeastern Iran.
• The Israeli Air Force also targeted central Iranian energy facilities, radar systems, ballistic missile sites, and launchers. Massive explosions were reported at military bases in Shiraz.

Iran opens border to evacuate Indians; minor injuries to 5 Indian students; 1,500 stranded

Iran has opened its borders to facilitate the evacuation of Indian students trapped in the conflict. Efforts are now underway to move them to safer zones. Iran has promised assistance for those crossing into neighbouring countries, such as Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan.

During an Israeli airstrike near Tehran University of Medical Sciences, five Indian students suffered minor injuries. Among the injured, three are from Jammu and Kashmir and two from Maharashtra. The Indian Embassy in Tehran stepped in and successfully relocated over 300 students to safe areas.

Around 1,500 Indian students are reportedly stranded across various cities in Iran, with the majority hailing from Jammu and Kashmir. India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the situation is being closely monitored and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of Indian citizens.