At least two people were killed in a missile strike targeting residential areas in the Iranian city of Sanandaj, Iranian media reported on Monday.
The attacks struck multiple locations near a police station, marking another escalation in a volatile regional security situation.
Iranian media reported that six missiles struck different locations across Sanandaj city, causing fatalities and structural damage. Residential buildings near a local police station were particularly affected. Officials have confirmed two deaths, though further casualty details are yet to be released.
Drone Incidents in Iran and Iraq
In parallel developments, Iran shot down a US MQ-9 drone in its airspace, while another American strike drone was reportedly destroyed over Isfahan. Meanwhile, three drones were intercepted in Erbil airspace, where US forces are stationed at the airport, signaling rising tensions across multiple fronts.
Regional escalation and cross-border impacts
The missile and drone attacks come amid a series of regional incidents:
-
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed 31 people and injured 149, including senior Hezbollah leaders.
-
Drone debris from Iranian attacks in Kuwait injured two civilians near the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery.
-
Sirens sounded in Bahrain and Kuwait, prompting authorities to instruct citizens to stay in safe places.
-
All crossings on the Turkey-Iran border remain closed, with limited commercial cargo allowed.
-
The Strait of Hormuz has been closed to shipping for the third consecutive day, leaving hundreds of tankers stranded.
Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, have criticized US actions, accusing the administration of prioritizing Israel over American security and defending the Iranian nation as acting in self-defense. The Pentagon has scheduled a media briefing at 6 pm Pakistani time, with Defense Secretary Pat Hegseth and General Dan Keane to discuss military developments, followed by a briefing to Congress.
US intelligence officials indicate that Ayatollah Khamenei’s assassination does not signal imminent regime change, predicting that a new hardline leader, likely from the Revolutionary Guards, would succeed him. No indications of military defection or popular uprising have been observed.
The missile strikes in Sanandaj, along with ongoing drone attacks, have intensified regional instability. Iran continues to attempt nuclear deal negotiations with the US, with Larijani reportedly engaging Oman as an intermediary for talks. Meanwhile, military bases in Cyprus and Qatar have also experienced drone activity, though no casualties were reported in these incidents.
