The ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel escalated further late Sunday as Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted three major airports in and around the Iranian capital, including Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Karaj Airport to the west, and Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Loud explosions rocked various parts of Tehran, with witnesses reporting at least two massive blasts in quick succession, followed by the activation of air defence systems. The strikes come amid a sharp rise in tensions, with both countries engaged in retaliatory attacks over the past several days.
Iranian state television aired remarks from government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, who announced that metro stations and mosques across Tehran would be made available as public bomb shelters starting tonight. “Given the ongoing attacks, we are taking precautionary steps to protect citizens,” she said.
Residents in Tehran described an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, as sirens blared across the city and emergency alerts were issued. “This level of bombardment is unprecedented. The city feels like it’s on the brink,” said one local resident speaking on condition of anonymity.
No official casualty figures have yet been released, but unconfirmed reports suggest damage to airport infrastructure and surrounding areas. Flight operations at the targeted airports have reportedly been suspended.
The strikes mark a significant escalation in the conflict, targeting critical infrastructure in Iran's air and transport networks. Iranian officials have vowed to respond decisively, while calls for restraint continue to pour in from the international community.
