Iran’s nuclear program threatens Israel, region, France, French FM warns

Sociologist Mostafa Mehraeen warned Ali Khamenei in an open letter that Iran is on the verge of collapse and urged a swift return to negotiations with the United States.

“Do not make people’s lives and the state of the country even darker than they already are,” Mehraeen wrote.

Explosions and heavy anti-aircraft fire were reported across central and western Tehran late Sunday, according to Didban Iran and eyewitnesses.

Blasts were heard near Ferdowsi Square, Palestine Square, and Khomeini airport, with sustained gunfire suggesting aerial activity.

East Azarbaijan’s crisis management office confirmed Sunday that air defenses were activated over Tabriz and Sahand, responding to what officials called “Israeli aggression.”

No explosions have been reported, but defense systems were engaged throughout the morning, Noor News reported.

The office said the death toll in Tabriz has risen to 34.

An Iranian cleric and the imam of a Mosque in Tehran’s Shahrak-e Chamran, was killed in Israeli strikes during Friday’s attack, Iranian media reported Sunday.

His wife and their three children also were killed.

Further Iranian missile attacks on Israel are expected in the coming days, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Sunday, as Israeli airstrikes on Tehran continued around the clock.

“Challenging days are ahead. There will be more launches and impacts in the coming days,” Defrin told reporters at a press conference.

He said Israeli jets were still targeting Iranian positions, especially in and around the capital.

“Even at this hour, we are striking dozens of targets in Tehran,” Defrin said. “We are deepening the damage to [Tehran’s] nuclear program and military capabilities, to disrupt and reduce the risk to the home front.”