Israel Intensifies Strikes on Iran, Signals Readiness for Extended Campaign

Alanbatnews -

Israeli forces have escalated their aerial attacks on Iran, targeting multiple provinces in a campaign that could extend for weeks, according to an Israeli military spokesperson. While ruling out the deployment of ground troops, the spokesperson described the progress made thus far as "positive."

The strikes have impacted several regions, including the capital, Tehran, where residents reported approximately a dozen rockets struck the Pardis area, causing buildings to shake.

Iranian media reported that over eight locations in Tehran were targeted within a single hour.

The assault also extended to the provinces of Shiraz and Kangavar in southern Iran, Karaj in western Tehran, and Damavand, located northeast of the capital, according to Iranian media outlets. Authorities in the free zone of Kish Island, in southern Iran, stated that no evacuation warnings had been issued for the island.

Isfahan province was also among the areas hit. Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced the deaths of three civilians and claimed to have shot down an Israeli Hermes drone.

In Tehran, the House of Cinema sustained damage, and the old Iranian parliament building, which houses the Assembly of Experts, was also targeted, according to Iranian state television.

Iranian media reported that thirteen soldiers were killed at an airbase in Kerman, in southeastern Iran. The province of Mazandaran reported eighteen fatalities during what it described as the "defense of Iran" against the Israeli attacks. The strikes have resulted in approximately 787 deaths, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.

Meanwhile, the Iranian government has announced a ban on the export of all food and agricultural products until further notice. This measure aims to prioritize the supply of essential goods given the current situation.

Hamid Reza Haji Babaei, the Vice President of the Iranian Parliament, stated that authorities were prepared for the attack. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reportedly told Parliament that they should act on the ground as if diplomacy did not exist.