Iran-Israel conflict enters day four: civilian toll rises

The aerial conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fourth day on Monday, with casualties mounting on both sides and growing calls from global powers to halt the escalating violence.

Israeli officials confirmed on Monday that eight civilians were killed overnight in Iranian missile strikes, raising Israel’s death toll since the conflict began Friday to 24. 

Iran reports over 224 people killed on its territory — most of them civilians — as Israeli airstrikes intensify across the country.

Civilian Infrastructure Targeted

One of the latest Israeli strikes seriously damaged a hospital in western Iran, according to Iranian state media, which shared footage of shattered wards and destroyed patient rooms. Tehran has condemned Israel’s attacks on urban areas, accusing it of indiscriminate targeting and civilian deaths — a claim Israel denies, insisting its operations are "surgical" and aimed at military infrastructure.

However, images from across Iranian cities show destroyed buildings, burned-out cars, and injured civilians. "We hid under our dining table," said Gholamreza Mohammadi, a civil servant in Tehran. "My two children can’t sleep from the noise of explosions."

Strategic Military Operations and Nuclear Concerns

Israel claims significant military advances, with the IDF stating it has destroyed over 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers — about one-third of Iran’s arsenal — using more than 50 aircraft. The Israeli military also said it has achieved aerial superiority and struck the Quds Force headquarters in Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told airbase troops that the country was “on the path to victory” and reiterated two goals: eliminating Iran’s nuclear capability and neutralizing its missile threat. He urged civilians in Tehran to evacuate, while Defence Minister Israel Katz warned, “Tehran will pay the price.”

Despite the intensity, the UN nuclear watchdog reported no visible damage to Iran's key nuclear facilities at Natanz and Fordow. Iran, however, urged the IAEA to condemn what it called "Israeli aggression" on nuclear infrastructure.

Diplomatic Fallout and Ceasefire Efforts

As G7 leaders gathered in Canada, China and Turkey led calls for de-escalation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered to mediate between the two adversaries and revive nuclear negotiations. Iran has appealed to Britain, France, and Germany to pressure Israel into halting strikes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X, “If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy, one phone call can stop Netanyahu.” Tehran reportedly asked Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to influence Washington in exchange for flexibility in nuclear talks.

Still, tensions remain high. Iranian lawmakers on Monday floated the idea of exiting the nuclear non-proliferation treaty — a move that would jeopardize any renewed diplomatic efforts.

Retaliation, Executions, and Regional Fallout

In a significant move, Iran executed a man convicted of spying for Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. The judiciary pledged swift trials for others accused of collaborating with Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli forces deported the final activists from an aid flotilla attempting to reach Gaza.

Israel also struck Iran’s state broadcasting authority in Tehran, prompting live footage of a startled news anchor fleeing mid-broadcast. Iranian media described the attack as part of Israel's campaign to target psychological and communication infrastructure.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said its latest strikes used a new technique that overwhelmed Israeli defense systems. Monday’s attacks on Tel Aviv and Haifa killed eight and wounded over 100. Israel confirmed seven missiles landed inside the country, with homes destroyed and emergency teams working through the rubble.

Economic and Social Impact

Global oil prices spiked on Friday amid fears of a regional oil supply disruption but stabilized slightly by Monday. Iran’s national currency has plunged over 10% against the U.S. dollar in just four days.

Many Iranians are now fleeing urban centers. “Every night there are attacks. No shelters, no warnings,” said 29-year-old Arshia, an art teacher fleeing Tehran with his family.

Despite the humanitarian toll, Israeli leadership has not ruled out escalation. Netanyahu hinted that regime change in Iran may be a potential outcome, even if not an explicit objective.

As diplomatic efforts intensify and fears of broader regional war grow, both nations appear locked in a deadly cycle of retaliation — with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.