TEHRAN: Iran’s reported death toll has reached 787 on the fourth consecutive day of heavy fighting, as joint strikes by the United States and Israel intensified across multiple regions of the country.
The escalating military confrontation has sparked concerns of a broader regional conflict, with leaders on all sides indicating readiness for a sustained standoff.
Iranian sources stated that American and Israeli forces struck 504 sites across 153 cities. In the capital, Tehran, approximately 100 aircraft reportedly targeted what authorities described as a senior leadership compound. Israeli officials claimed additional strikes hit Iran’s presidential office, the Supreme National Security Council headquarters and a military training facility.
Blasts were reported in several cities, including Kerman, Isfahan and Shiraz. Iranian officials confirmed that 18 members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were among those killed. The overall casualty count — including civilians, political figures and military personnel — now stands at 787.
In Minab, large crowds gathered for funeral prayers after a strike on a girls’ school reportedly killed 165 students. Mourners chanted slogans condemning both Israel and the United States during the procession.
US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran’s air defences, air force, navy and senior leadership structures had been effectively neutralised. He said Tehran had sought talks but asserted that the opportunity for negotiations had passed.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on X that state operations were continuing despite the wartime conditions. He maintained that he remained in contact with provincial leaders and that, although the situation was exceptional, government systems were functioning and daily activities continued nationwide.
Australia’s defence ministry reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched an attack aimed at a US military assembly in Dubai. Officials confirmed Australian personnel stationed at Al Minhad Air Base were unharmed. Around 100 Australian troops remain deployed in the Middle East, primarily within the United Arab Emirates.
The United States Central Command confirmed that six American service members were killed in Iranian strikes, adding that the remains of two previously missing troops had been recovered after Iran’s initial wave of attacks.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military issued evacuation notices to residents in two southern Beirut neighbourhoods ahead of planned operations. Emergency alerts were also sent to residents in 59 locations across Lebanon, urging immediate departure from affected areas.
Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry reported minor structural damage to a building in a separate incident but said no injuries occurred as it was vacant. Local reports indicated two explosions in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter after drones reportedly collided with the US embassy compound.
President Trump warned that the attack on the American embassy in Riyadh would prompt a response, pledging retaliation for the deaths of US soldiers.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed members of Congress, saying Israel had long been preparing to strike Iran and that the United States risked becoming a target in any backlash. He argued that remaining purely defensive could have led to greater American casualties.
Representative Joaquin Castro criticised the developments, accusing Israel of drawing the United States into direct danger and faulting the administration for supporting military action rather than pursuing restraint.
According to Bloomberg, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are urging international partners to help de-escalate tensions. Both nations are reportedly seeking to form a broader diplomatic coalition aimed at halting the violence and preventing further regional destabilisation, particularly amid concerns over potential spikes in global energy prices.
