High-Level Iranian Officials Killed in Israeli Airstrikes as Regional Conflict Intensifies
A deadly exchange of aerial attacks between Iran and Israel erupted early Monday, following weekend US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran has vowed retaliation, while tensions threaten to escalate into a wider regional war.
US Bombs Key Nuclear Sites, Iran Promises Response
Over the weekend, US warplanes dropped over a dozen bunker-buster bombs on three major Iranian nuclear sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. While President Donald Trump claimed the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, US military officials said it was too soon to determine the full extent of the damage.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the move, calling Israel’s involvement a “big mistake”, and vowed that the Zionist enemy is being punished.
Missile and Drone Attacks Shake Region
Early Monday, sirens sounded across Iran and Israel amid intense aerial bombardments. Israel reported intercepting missiles from Iran, while Iran’s state media said its defense systems were countering a drone assault.
In retaliation for the US strikes, Iran targeted several sites inside Israel, including Ben Gurion Airport, wounding at least 23 people. Israel’s counterstrikes across central Iran killed over 400 people, according to Iran’s health ministry, including nine Revolutionary Guards.
Economic and Diplomatic Fallout
The conflict has triggered global economic anxiety, with oil prices jumping over 4% in early trading due to fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil trade route. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to deter Iran from blocking the passage.
The US State Department also issued a global travel alert, warning Americans abroad about potential demonstrations and travel disruptions linked to the conflict.
Trump on ‘Regime Change’
Despite the Pentagon denying regime change as a goal, Trump floated the idea, saying on his social platform Truth Social:
“If the current Iranian regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a regime change??? MIGA!!!”
He later doubled down, claiming:
“Monumental damage was done… Obliteration is an accurate term!”
Global Reactions and Calls for De-escalation
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed visible craters at Fordo but said it couldn’t assess the full underground impact. Director Rafael Grossi warned that attacks on nuclear facilities risk radioactive disasters with international consequences.
Meanwhile, Russia, China, and Pakistan submitted a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. The UAE, Qatar, and Oman condemned the US strikes, urging de-escalation, while France, Germany, and Britain warned Iran against further actions that could destabilize the region.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of sabotaging nuclear diplomacy and traveled to Moscow for urgent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On the Ground in Iran: Shock and Resistance
Protests erupted in central Tehran, where demonstrators denounced US and Israeli actions. In Semnan province, residents expressed fear, though the area lies far from the targeted nuclear sites.
“I’m truly shocked… I’m very concerned for the people living nearby,” said 46-year-old Samireh.
