Civilian Toll Mounts in Southern Iran
An Israeli missile strike hit a girls’ school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on Saturday, killing 63 people and wounding 92 others, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency. The agency reported that several students remain trapped under the rubble, with rescue efforts ongoing. The attack marks one of the deadliest single incidents in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
Operation “Roaring Lion” Launched
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced the commencement of Operation “Roaring Lion,” telling troops in a command center address, “You are authorized to execute. Strike your targets – you make history.” He described the operation as being of a “completely different scale, more complex and more complicated” than previous military actions in June, acknowledging preparation had been “short but intensive and incredibly thorough.”
International Reactions Pour In
Global powers issued urgent calls for de-escalation amid the expanding conflict:
- India urged “all parties to exercise restraint” and prioritize dialogue to “avoid escalation and prioritize civilian safety.”
- China called for an “immediate ceasefire” and warned against further escalation while emphasizing respect for Iran’s sovereignty.
- Turkey warned that the cycle of violence “could jeopardize the future of our region and global stability.”
- Ukraine’s President Zelensky praised U.S. determination, stating American resolve “weakens criminals worldwide.”
European Powers Condemn Iranian Attacks
France, Germany, and Britain issued a joint statement condemning “with the greatest firmness the Iranian attacks against countries in the region” while emphasizing they did not participate in the strikes. The statement called on Iran to “refrain from indiscriminate military strikes” and urged a return to negotiations, adding that “the Iranian people must be able to decide their own future.”
Regional Fallout Spreads
The conflict’s impact extended across the Middle East:
- The Iranian Red Crescent reported over 20 of Iran’s 31 provinces affected by attacks.
- International coalition forces intercepted missiles and drones over Erbil in northern Iraq.
- New air raid sirens sounded in Israel as defense systems engaged incoming missiles.
- Oman and Qatar joined calls for an immediate cessation of military operations.
- The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain announced closure due to ongoing missile strikes.
Diplomatic and Humanitarian Concerns
French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris remain at the French Embassy in Tehran, confirmed safe by diplomatic sources. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry warned that all sites involved in operations against Iran are now “legitimate targets,” signaling potential for further escalation as regional powers scramble to contain the crisis.
