Tel Aviv (TDI): Tensions between Israel and Iran further escalated on Monday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his country was “on the road to victory” following a series of intense military exchanges.
Speaking during a visit to the Tel Nof airbase, Netanyahu claimed the Israeli Air Force had gained aerial dominance over Tehran.
Flanked by Defence Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, he said Israel was moving toward achieving its key objectives: neutralizing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and crippling its missile capabilities.
These remarks came after a deadly weekend that saw missile attacks from both sides. Israel had earlier struck what it described as nuclear and military targets in Iran, claiming to thwart Iran’s alleged pursuit of atomic weapons, an accusation Tehran continues to deny, maintaining its nuclear program is solely for civilian energy purposes.
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In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. The overnight barrage led to fires at a power station near Haifa and damage to residential areas close to the US Embassy’s branch in Tel Aviv.
The death toll continues to rise. Israeli emergency services confirmed that eight more people were killed overnight, bringing the total number of Israeli fatalities to 23.
Iran’s health ministry reported at least 224 dead and over 1,200 injured since the conflict reignited on Friday, with civilians, including women and children, making up the vast majority of the casualties.
The Israeli military has now issued evacuation orders for parts of Tehran. Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged residents in Tehran’s third district to leave the area immediately, citing impending strikes on military installations.
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In a separate post, Defence Minister Katz issued a stark warning: “The residents of Tehran will pay the price soon.” This followed the missile strikes that had earlier killed civilians in Israeli cities.
Amid the rising tensions, US President Donald Trump was reported to have blocked a prior Israeli proposal to target Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Netanyahu, however, claimed Iran had attempted to assassinate Trump on two occasions, a claim that has yet to be verified.
The international community, particularly G7 leaders meeting in Canada, has expressed deep concern. Russia has offered to mediate, suggesting it may even be open to managing Iran’s uranium supply.
