Israel and Iran continued their escalating confrontation for a third consecutive day on Sunday, with both nations exchanging heavy strikes that intensified an already volatile conflict. The Israeli military announced it had carried out an "extensive series of strikes" targeting strategic Iranian facilities, including the headquarters of the Iranian Defence Ministry and infrastructure associated with the SPND nuclear project.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that one of the sites hit was where Iran had hidden its nuclear archive, signaling a direct attempt to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Air raid sirens blared across major Israeli cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, following a new wave of attacks launched by Iran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that Iranian forces had targeted Israeli energy infrastructure and key facilities involved in the production of fighter jet fuel, in retaliation for the initial Israeli assault. These attacks were launched in the wake of Israel’s initiation of Operation “Rising Lion” on Friday, during which it struck multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites.
The Iranian capital Tehran was rocked by further explosions as Israeli missiles continued to strike critical defense and energy facilities. The Israeli military stated emphatically that “we don’t stop striking for one moment,” reinforcing their stance of sustained pressure on Iran. So far, at least 13 people have been confirmed dead in Israel, according to local authorities.
During a visit to the site of a strike that killed four civilians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised alarm about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating, “Think what would happen if Iran had atomic weapons.” He reiterated that a core objective of the ongoing Israeli operation is to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
As the hostilities dragged into their third day, the scale and intensity of the attacks have grown more lethal. Iran launched a massive barrage of drones and missiles toward Israeli territory, while Israel significantly broadened its target list inside Iran. In anticipation of further escalation, Iranian authorities opened metro stations, mosques, and schools in Tehran to serve as emergency shelters for civilians. Israeli authorities had previously issued evacuation warnings to residents of Tehran, particularly those living near suspected weapons manufacturing compounds.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the unfolding crisis, stating that the United States had “nothing to do” with Israel’s overnight military actions. However, he issued a stern warning to Tehran, saying he would unleash the “full force” of the U.S. military if Iran attempted to attack American assets in the region. Meanwhile, Israel’s military operations have expanded to include oil depots, missile launching platforms, and additional nuclear and defense facilities across Iran.
The toll from the conflict has been devastating. According to state media reports, at least 150 people have been killed and hundreds more injured since the fighting began. Tehran’s residents, gripped by fear and uncertainty, have begun fleeing north toward rural areas perceived to be safer, while others have been stockpiling essential supplies. The capital’s metro system has been kept operational around the clock to accommodate people seeking shelter underground. Although scores of casualties have been reported, Iranian authorities have not yet released official figures on the death toll.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel's military campaign will not cease until its objectives are met. “This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,” he declared, emphasizing that the mission was critical to rolling back what he described as the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival.
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