US–Israeli airstrikes on Iranian cities intensify Middle East tensions

Tehran: The Middle East witnessed a sharp surge in tensions after United States and Israeli forces launched airstrikes on several Iranian cities, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.

According to international media reports, Israeli missiles struck a space research centre in Tehran, sparking a massive fire at the facility. Explosions were also reported in the cities of Shiraz and Isfahan, signalling a widening scope of the strikes.

Initial reports indicate that at least 15 people were killed in the bombardment in Isfahan, raising concerns over civilian casualties as the situation continues to unfold.

Amid the escalating crisis, Iranian authorities arrested 20 individuals accused of providing sensitive intelligence to Israel. Officials claim the suspects were allegedly passing information about military installations and strategic locations to Israeli operatives.

Meanwhile, the conflict’s ripple effects are being felt beyond Iran’s borders. Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least five people, including a child, as hostilities in the region continue to intensify.

According to reports, the death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon has now reached 826 civilians, highlighting the growing humanitarian cost of the ongoing conflict and deepening instability across the region.