At least 18 people, including two children, were killed in joint US-Israel airstrikes on residential areas of Iran on Monday night, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between Tehran, Washington, and Tel Aviv. The attacks, reported by state media on Tuesday, targeted multiple civilian zones in Alborz province, while additional strikes were carried out near Khorramabad airport in western Iran.
State-run Fars News Agency confirmed the casualties, citing Alborz province’s deputy governor. Alongside the fatalities, 24 people were injured, many of whom were women and children. Some of the injured remain in critical condition, receiving urgent medical attention in local hospitals. The strikes have left residents in panic and widespread fear.
The attacks follow a series of threats from US President Donald Trump, who warned that Iran would be “obliterated” if it refused to accept a ceasefire agreement proposed by Washington. Tehran rejected this offer as “unjust,” prompting the retaliatory strikes by the US and Israel.
Civilian Areas and Casualties
| Location | Fatalities | Injured | Children Killed | Type of Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alborz Province | 18 | 24 | 2 | Residential area |
| Khorramabad Airport | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Airport and surrounding area |
| Other Provinces | Approx. 6 | Unknown | Unknown | Total of 17 civilian sites |
The Iranian Red Crescent has condemned the strikes, labelling them “war crimes.” The organisation reported that at least 17 civilian areas nationwide were targeted during the attacks. In a statement, the Red Crescent stressed that attacks on civilians have no legal justification under international humanitarian law and constitute a breach of the Geneva Conventions.
Iranian media further reported that, across the country, approximately two dozen citizens lost their lives in overnight raids. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of structural damage, particularly around Khorramabad airport, where the strikes affected operational infrastructure.
International observers have expressed deep concern over the targeting of civilian areas, highlighting the potential for escalating humanitarian and political crises in the region. Analysts warn that these attacks could provoke further retaliatory measures and heighten instability in the Middle East.
The Iranian government has called for international intervention and urged global powers to condemn the strikes, emphasising the protection of civilian populations. Medical teams and emergency services are actively attending to the injured, while security forces have heightened alert levels to prevent further incidents.
This unprecedented escalation underscores the fragility of the current geopolitical environment in the region, where military action against civilian populations risks drawing widespread international condemnation and potential retaliatory conflicts.
The attacks have sent shockwaves through the country, amplifying public fear and increasing calls for urgent diplomatic engagement to avert further loss of civilian life.