Israel Launches Intense Airstrikes Across Iran Targeting Security Forces; Death Toll Rises

Tehran. On the fifth day of joint US and Israeli attacks, Israel has launched fierce airstrikes targeting security forces across Iran. The death toll from these attacks has reached 1,045. In response, Iran has initiated retaliatory strikes, warning it will destroy military and economic infrastructure in the Middle East.

According to the Iranian news agency 'Tasnim', Israel bombed the capital Tehran, the holy city of Qom, western Iran, and Isfahan province on Wednesday. These attacks reportedly caused damage to residential buildings as well. Israel claimed to have specifically targeted buildings associated with the Basij, a volunteer force under Iran's Revolutionary Guards, and the internal security command.

Iranian civilians have been the biggest victims of this war. More than 6,000 people have been injured so far, and over 300 children and adolescents have been hospitalized. According to the United Nations, approximately 100,000 people left Tehran between February 28 and March 1 alone due to the war.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that while two buildings near the Isfahan nuclear facility sustained damage, the centers containing nuclear materials are safe, and there is no risk of radioactive leakage.

Meanwhile, in the first phase of attacks last Saturday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh were killed. Millions are expected to attend their funeral ceremony, which increases further security challenges.

Search for New Leadership

Iran has accelerated the process of selecting a new Supreme Leader. Ahmad Khatami, a member of the Assembly of Experts, stated that a new leader would be chosen soon, even though the country is in a state of war. Western media outlets view Mojtaba Khamenei as the main contender for the new leadership position.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned, "Any new leader who threatens Israel and the free world will be our target."

US President Donald Trump commented that the Iranian leadership is in disarray. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, however, accused Trump of betraying diplomacy and bombing the negotiating table, according to allegations reported by Al Jazeera.