Israel has issued warnings for hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate central Tehran, as its aerial offensive on Iran enters its fourth day, widening in scope amid an intensifying conflict.
In a dramatic moment captured live, an Iranian television anchor fled her studio during a broadcast as explosions struck near the headquarters of Iran’s state-run TV network.
Later on Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted a stark warning on his social media platform, calling for the immediate evacuation of the Iranian capital.
“IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump wrote, stressing, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
Shortly after the post, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on social media that Trump would cut short his visit to the G7 summit in Canada and return to Washington early due to the escalating situation.
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Israel says strikes have set back nuclear program
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Israel’s ongoing airstrikes have significantly set back Iran’s nuclear program, saying it has been pushed back a “very, very long time.” He also noted that he has been in regular contact with former U.S. President Donald Trump throughout the crisis.
“The regime is very weak,” Netanyahu told reporters, defending Israel’s wide-ranging attacks on Iranian military leadership, nuclear facilities, and scientists. Israel argues that these operations are vital to prevent Iran from nearing the capability to develop a nuclear weapon. Since the offensive began on Friday, at least 224 people in Iran have been reported killed.
Iran, however, insists that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. While the U.S. and other international observers have acknowledged that Iran has not had a coordinated nuclear weapons program since 2003, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has warned that Iran now possesses enough enriched uranium to produce multiple nuclear bombs if it decides to do so.
In response to the Israeli strikes, Iran has launched more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones targeting Israel. According to Israeli sources, 24 people have died and over 500 have been injured.
The escalating exchange of attacks has heightened fears of a full-scale war between the two nations, further destabilizing an already volatile region.
Israel's military issues evacuation warning affecting up to 330,000 people
On Monday, Israel’s military ordered 330,000 residents to evacuate a central district of Tehran, home to critical infrastructure including the national police headquarters, state-run television, and three major hospitals—one of which is operated by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
The alert comes amid an expanding Israeli air campaign, echoing previous evacuation orders issued in parts of Gaza and Lebanon ahead of military strikes.
Iran's state-run television abruptly halted a live broadcast after its building was struck, according to the official IRNA news agency. During the program, a visibly shaken presenter reported the studio was filling with dust following “the sound of aggression against the homeland.” Moments later, a loud explosion interrupted the segment, cutting the feed as the anchor fled the set.
Broadcasts were swiftly switched to pre-recorded content. The channel later confirmed that four bombs had struck its facility. While an anchor acknowledged that some staff members were injured, they assured viewers that families need not be alarmed. The station resumed live programming from an alternate studio.
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Israel claims ‘full aerial superiority’ over Tehran
Israel has declared it has achieved complete aerial dominance over Tehran’s skies, according to military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin.
Speaking on Monday, Defrin said Israeli forces have delivered a “deep and comprehensive blow” to Iran’s military capabilities. The Israeli military reported the destruction of over 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers in central Iran — nearly one-third of Iran’s arsenal — along with two F-14 fighter jets used to target Israeli aircraft. Additionally, multiple missile launchers were struck moments before they could fire ballistic missiles toward Israel.
Israeli jets also targeted 10 command centers in Tehran operated by the Quds Force, the elite foreign operations wing of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard responsible for military and intelligence missions beyond Iran’s borders.
Meanwhile, a missile reportedly landed near the U.S. consulate in Tel Aviv. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the blast caused minor damage but no American personnel were harmed.
Explosions rock Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva and Haifa oil refinery
A series of powerful explosions jolted Tel Aviv early Monday, with thick black smoke rising over the coastal city following Iranian missile strikes.
In nearby Petah Tikva, local authorities confirmed that a missile struck a residential building, leaving behind scorched concrete, shattered windows, and ripped-open apartment walls.
Meanwhile, in the northern city of Haifa, an oil refinery was targeted for the second consecutive night. The early morning attack killed three workers, sparked a massive fire, and caused significant structural damage, according to Israel’s fire and rescue services.
Officials said the workers were taking shelter in a designated safe room when the missile impact collapsed a stairwell, trapping them. Despite urgent efforts by firefighters to control the blaze and reach the victims, all three succumbed before they could be rescued.
No sign of conflict letting up
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday appeared to signal openness to U.S. involvement in mediating a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, urging Washington to take decisive action.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi wrote, “If Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential.” He added pointedly, “It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy.”
His remarks came after recent U.S.-Iran talks were abruptly canceled over the weekend, following Israeli strikes that targeted senior Iranian political and military figures in Tehran.
Araghchi reiterated Iran’s readiness to halt attacks if Israel does the same. “We will stop if they stop,” he said on Sunday.
The spiraling conflict has had widespread regional impacts. Several Middle Eastern countries have shut down their airspace, grounding flights and stranding tens of thousands of travelers. Many airports have either suspended operations entirely or drastically reduced service, making evacuation or return travel nearly impossible for many.
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Iranian health officials reported that 1,277 people have been injured during the strikes, while the country has also imposed fuel rationing in response to mounting logistical pressure.
However, human rights groups say the true human toll is likely far higher. The U.S.-based group Human Rights Activists claimed that over 400 people have died so far, including 197 civilians — a significantly higher number than the Iranian government's official figures.
Prior to launching its initial wave of attacks, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency reportedly placed explosive drones and precision-guided weapons inside Iranian territory. In response, Iranian authorities have arrested several individuals and executed one suspect accused of espionage.