Fresh explosions were reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities early Sunday, though no updated casualty figures were released. Iran’s UN ambassador had earlier confirmed 78 deaths and over 320 injuries.
This means that Israel has launched airstrikes across Iran for a third consecutive day, threatening further escalation, following Iranian missiles which breached Israeli air defenses, hitting structures in the heart of Israel. Meanwhile, planned negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program—seen as a potential de-escalation pathway—were called off.
Iran reported Israeli strikes on two oil refineries, raising fears of broader attacks on its heavily sanctioned energy sector, which could impact global markets.
The region remains on edge following Israel’s surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities on Friday, which killed several senior generals and nuclear scientists, with neither side showing any sign of backing down.
Israeli strikes early Sunday targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry after earlier attacks on air defenses, military bases, and nuclear sites. The killing of top officials suggests deep Israeli intelligence penetration.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that if the Israeli strikes on Iran stop, then “our responses will also stop,” adding that the US “is a partner in these attacks and must take responsibility.”
Trump has denied US involvement but warned Iran against retaliation, threatening an unprecedented response.
The Israeli military, in a social media statement, warned Iranians to evacuate arms factories, hinting at an expanded offensive. Explosions were heard again in Tehran around midday, but as of writing this report, there had been no update to the death toll, which stood at 78 according to the Iranian ambassador to the UN.
In Israel, at least 10 people were killed in Iranian strikes overnight and into Sunday, bringing the country’s total death toll to 13. The country’s main international airport and airspace remained closed for a third day.
US President Donald Trump voiced full support for Israel’s actions while warning Iran that only a new nuclear deal could prevent further destruction. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed calls for calm, vowing stronger strikes in the coming days.