The United States–Israel military offensive against Iran entered its third consecutive day on Monday, with fresh airstrikes and retaliatory missile exchanges intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict. The operations — reportedly codenamed “Epic Fury” and “Roaring Lion” — have significantly escalated tensions across the Middle East.
Iranian state-linked reports claim that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in the initial wave of strikes, creating a potential leadership vacuum in Tehran. However, independent confirmation of these claims remains limited.
04:37 PM IST — Jordan Partially Closes Airspace
Jordan on Monday announced a partial and temporary closure of its airspace, citing security concerns amid the rapidly deteriorating regional situation, according to Reuters. The move is seen as a precautionary step as missile activity and aerial operations continue across the region.
04:07 PM IST — IRGC Claims Strike On Netanyahu’s Office
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for a “surprise” missile attack allegedly targeting the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The IRGC said Netanyahu’s fate was “unclear,” though Israeli authorities have not confirmed any such strike.
Tehran has reported that more than 555 people have been killed since US-Israeli strikes began, though casualty figures remain difficult to independently verify.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has urged all parties to exercise restraint, warning that continued military activity near nuclear facilities could result in catastrophic regional consequences.
04:07 PM IST — Senior Iranian Intelligence Officials Killed
Israeli sources say several senior officials from Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence were killed in a targeted strike at the start of Operation “Roaring Lion.” Among those reportedly killed are Sayed Yahya Hamidi, Deputy Minister of Intelligence for Israel Affairs, and Jalal Pour Hossein, head of the ministry’s espionage division.
The Israel Defense Forces stated that the strike was guided by precise intelligence and also targeted the ministry’s headquarters in Tehran.
With retaliatory strikes intensifying and regional actors taking precautionary measures, concerns are mounting over a potential wider Middle East escalation in the coming days.