Israeli airstrikes pounded Iran’s capital early Wednesday in an increasingly deadly conflict that has reportedly killed at least 585 people and wounded 1,326 across Iran, according to Human Rights Activists, a Washington-based group known for its detailed casualty reporting during the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests.
The group reported that 239 civilians and 126 security force members were among those killed in the Israeli attacks. Its figures are based on cross-referencing local Iranian reports with a network of verified sources inside Iran.
Tehran, however, has been reluctant to release frequent updates on casualties and damage. Its latest official figures, issued Monday, acknowledged 224 deaths and 1,277 wounded.
The ongoing Israeli assault, now in its sixth day, continues to target Iran’s military leadership and nuclear infrastructure, deepening uncertainty across the region. The strikes have sparked panic in Tehran, prompting large numbers of residents to flee the capital.
Israel says its military campaign is necessary to prevent Iran from reaching nuclear weapons capability. The attacks come as Tehran and Washington have been engaged in tentative diplomatic talks aimed at reviving negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel launched the strikes after a 60-day deadline he had imposed for progress in the talks expired.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. However, it remains the only non-nuclear-armed country enriching uranium up to 60% purity—just below the 90% level required for weapons-grade material. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues limited inspections inside Iran, while U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Iran is not currently working to build a nuclear bomb.
Explosions trigger panic and exodus from Tehran
A major explosion rocked Tehran around 5 a.m. Wednesday, following earlier predawn blasts. Iranian officials did not acknowledge the strikes, as has often been the case during Israel’s air campaign, which began Friday.
One of the strikes reportedly targeted the Hakimiyeh district in eastern Tehran, home to a Revolutionary Guard academy.
The attacks triggered a wave of fear across Tehran. Many businesses, including the historic Grand Bazaar, closed down. The Bazaar has only shut its doors during major national crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 anti-government protests.
Roads heading west out of Tehran were packed with traffic as residents sought to escape the escalating violence.
Trump calls for surrender, fuels confusion
As the U.S. continues to send additional military aircraft to the region, Trump made a series of statements on social media that added confusion about America’s role in the conflict. He called for Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” and warned Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that U.S. forces know his whereabouts, adding that there were no plans to kill him “at least not for now.”
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the situation in a phone call Tuesday, according to a White House official who spoke anonymously.
Iran warns of more retaliation
While Iran has not directly responded to Trump’s comments, its military leadership vowed additional attacks on Israel. In a video statement, Gen. Abdul Rahim Mousavi, commander of Iran’s army, declared: “The operations so far have been warnings. The real punishment operation will happen soon.”
As Iran launched another round of missile strikes Wednesday, Israel urged its citizens to stay near bomb shelters. Most of the missiles were intercepted, according to officials, and no casualties were reported. Sirens sounded in multiple areas, including Dimona, where Israel’s undeclared nuclear weapons program is located.
The U.S. State Department announced that the American Embassy in Jerusalem would remain closed until Friday.
Although Iran’s retaliatory missile barrages have decreased in scale, the reason for the reduction is unclear. Israeli strikes on Iranian launch systems may have contributed to the smaller number of missiles fired.
Since retaliation began, Iran has launched about 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel. So far, 24 deaths have been reported inside Israel as a result of the attacks.
