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

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.