Israel strikes Iran - day 3: what we know so far

Israel continued its military campaign against Iran through the weekend and into Monday, launching new strikes across multiple cities, especially the capital Tehran, forcing residents to flee.

Here's a brief summary of major events and developments so far.

Israel escalates strikes, hits multiple cities

• Almost every neighborhood in Tehran was hit on Sunday, prompting a civilian exodus from the capital.
• Massive explosions were reported in Shahriar, Eslamshahr, and Vavan.
• Israeli warplanes struck missile depots and military infrastructure in western and northern Iran, triggering air defenses in Isfahan, Sanandaj, Ahvaz, Bandar Anzali, and other cities.
• Iranian intelligence and foreign ministry headquarters were hit, Mashhad saw large fires, and Tehran’s police command HQ was damaged.
• Tehran’s bazaar was shut down and major highways out of the capital experienced a surge in traffic as residents fled.

Iran strikes back with new missile barrage

• Iran launched another salvo of missiles early Sunday toward Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem.
• Seven Israelis were killed and more than 200 injured; a synagogue in southern Israel was also hit.
• Tehran warned any further support for Israel could trigger retaliatory action against other regional states.

Casualties mount on both sides

• Iran's health ministry said 224 Iranians have been killed since Friday, and more than 1200 injured - 90% civilians, the report said.
• Iran's missile attacks have killed at least 14 Israelis and wounded more than 200.
• Fourteen Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed since Friday, some in car bombings.
• Iranian officials confirmed some damage to Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites, but most core facilities remain intact.

Israel unveils psychological pressure plan

• Israeli PM Netanyahu confirmed the killing of IRGC intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy.
• Israel approved a strategy aimed at causing a mass civilian exodus from Tehran by targeting military-linked infrastructure.
• The IDF issued warnings to evacuate parts of the capital.

Khamenei under fire from within and abroad

• People in some parts of Tehran were heard chanting “Death to Dictator” and "Death to IRGC" during air defense activity at night time.
• Iran’s exiled crown prince accused Khamenei of hiding “like a rat” while civilians suffer.
• French President Macron ruled out Russia as a mediator in the conflict.
• IRGC general Mohsen Rezaei said Iran may cross its red lines and use “undisclosed tactics.”

Talks with US in jeopardy as blame mounts

• Iran signaled it may cancel upcoming nuclear talks, citing US complicity in Israeli attacks.
• Foreign Minister Araghchi told the EU that negotiations are “unjustifiable” under the circumstances.
• Iran has told mediators Qatar and Oman that it is not open to negotiating a ceasefire while under Israeli attack, Reuters reported.
• Tehran said it may target Persian Gulf bases if they assist Israeli operations.

Washington's role

• Trump said Sunday that Iran and Israel “may have to fight to the end” but expressed hope for a peaceful deal.
• Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, Reuters said.
• The Pentagon is split: CENTCOM’s Gen. Kurilla wants more support for Israel, but policy chief Elbridge Colby resists diverting forces from Asia.
• Trump and Netanyahu both said regime change in Iran could be a result—but not the stated aim—of Israel’s actions.

Nuclear risk remains high, says IAEA

• IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told the UN that Israeli strikes caused serious damage at Natanz.
• No damage was observed at Fordow or the Khondab reactor, but concerns remain over potential radioactive release.
• EU and Pope Leo XIV issued fresh calls for nuclear restraint and return to diplomacy.