Iran’s regional fortunes in the military domain have turned sour. By reversing Iranian advances, as US forces move north they are forcing Iran deeper into central areas, further raising tensions across the Middle East. Following a series of airstrikes by Israel that targeted key military sites in Tehran, Iranian officials have signaled that any US military action would be met with strong retaliation. That changed dramatically this week, raising concerns about a larger war in the Middle East.
In the address aired on state television, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei lashed out at US President Donald Trump. First, he noted Iran’s ability to withstand a sustained onslaught. His remarks follow reports that Israel’s airstrikes have already destroyed vital military infrastructure including Iran’s police headquarters. The Israeli military confirmed that approximately 50 jets struck around 20 locations in Tehran, targeting facilities associated with missile production.
Iran’s response to these developments has been to orchestrate unprecedented missile strikes on targets in Israel that set off air raid sirens across the country. In an effort to protect civilians, Iranian officials in recent days have urged people to leave specific areas of Tehran. Residents confirm that thousands of others have already despaired and abandoned the city. Many relocated to the surrounding resort towns—as with Lavasan—looking for safety.
“We will stay here as long as this war continues. My friend’s house in Tehran was attacked and her brother was injured. They are civilians.” – Arezou, a 31-year-old Tehran resident
The US has rightfully held the line on Iran’s developing nuclear weapons. President Trump stuck to his script on “Iran must never have a nuclear weapon” while adding, “We’re not looking for a long-term war. I’m not asking for much — with respect to Iran, all I ask is this, Iran must never get a nuclear bomb. That’s it.” He put on the table American support for Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. With typical bravado, he announced that “I will.” I may not do it. I mean, nobody even knows what I’m going to do.”
As the situation unfolds, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz assured that the military would continue to target symbols of governance in Iran: “As we promised – we will continue to strike at symbols of governance and hit the ayatollah regime wherever it may be.” Since then, the Israel Defense Forces have largely repelled Iranian forces back into the heart of central Iran. Now, however, these forces appear to be concentrating precision missile fire from the Isfahan area.
Khamenei warned against US involvement in the conflict, asserting that it would lead to significant repercussions: “The US entering in this matter [war] is 100% to its own detriment. The harm it will inflict will be exponentially worse than any harm that Iran will face. He stressed the importance of engaging with Iran in a respectful manner. Smart officials who are aware of Iran and its historical background would never use language of intimidation, as the great Iranian nation would never give in.”
As these military clashes continue to unfold, Iranian civilians—in Tehran and elsewhere—are beginning to pay the true cost of this confrontation. Residents have clogged arteries out of the city, as they flee from increased bombardments with a severity unseen before. One Tehran resident expressed her fear: “I feel scared, overwhelmed. As a resident of the most populated area that Iran apparently has in its cross hairs. Our city is extremely archaic in its built environment, with few to no pedestrian shelters or any safe refuge from danger.
