Attacks Target Civilians, Journalists, Police and Aid Workers in Iran

A new wave of Israeli missile strikes on Iran has drawn international concern over the reported targeting of civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, echoing tactics seen during Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

According to Al Mayadeen, missiles struck the central command headquarters of Iran’s national police in Tehran. Additional strikes reportedly hit facilities operated by the Iranian Red Crescent Society, the country’s primary humanitarian aid organization. These strikes come amid increasing tension between the two regional powers, raising fears of broader conflict.

Humanitarian organizations have condemned the targeting of aid workers and emergency responders. Attacks on institutions like the Red Crescent are considered violations of international humanitarian law, which protects neutral aid agencies during conflict. Reports also document strikes on hospitals, media offices and civilian vehicles.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz appeared to confirm a policy of targeting Iranian cities, stating Monday:

“The residents of Tehran will pay the price and soon.”

Iran Launches Missile Retaliation

In response, Iran’s armed forces launched a series of retaliatory missile strikes under what officials are calling Operation True Promise 3. The campaign has involved at least nine waves of strikes on Israeli military positions.

Following the strikes, the Israeli Defense Ministry urged citizens not to share footage of missile impacts on social media, citing security risks. The full extent of the damage inside Israel remains unclear due to the information blackout.

Reports: Israelis Flee by Sea Amid Rising Tensions

As the situation escalates, some Israeli citizens are reportedly fleeing the country by sea. A report by Haaretz described an uptick in travel by private vessels from Israel to Cyprus, with air travel disrupted due to the ongoing hostilities.

Facebook groups dedicated to “sea-based exits” have emerged, with users sharing tips and offers for passage. One passenger said they paid 2,500 shekels (approximately $713) for a 25-hour journey. Another reported being charged 6,000 shekels.

Some of these operations appear to be running outside of legal boundaries. A commercial captain told Haaretz that “some private owners are charging passengers without having proper insurance for transporting people.”

U.S. Involvement

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran “should have negotiated earlier,” and hinted he might consider strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He also called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

Iranian officials responded with strong warnings. On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told Al Jazeera English that any U.S. involvement would risk “all-out war.”

“I think any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region with very, very bad consequences for the whole international community,” Baghaei said.

Iran’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, echoed the warning, vowing a “strong response” if U.S. forces joined the conflict.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei later stated on national television that U.S. intervention would lead to “irreparable damage.”

While the Trump administration has denied direct U.S. military involvement, a recent interview with a sitting U.S. Senator has raised questions. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Senator Ted Cruz said “we are carrying out military strikes today”, before clarifying that the U.S. is only “supporting Israel’s efforts.”

So far, the Israeli military has carried out strikes using U.S.-manufactured weapons systems, but there is no confirmed evidence of active U.S. military operations in Iran.

Looking Ahead

With Israeli strikes targeting humanitarian organizations and Iran launching retaliatory attacks, the risk of full-scale regional war is palpable. Civilian infrastructure is being hit and threats of U.S. involvement are fueling fears of a broader conflict that could spiral beyond the Middle East.

Iran has warned that any American intervention would trigger direct confrontation, while Israeli leadership continues to speak in apocalyptic terms. As civilians flee, and humanitarian agencies brace for more violence, the world is left watching a volatile standoff with no clear path to de-escalation.