Coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel across Iran have resulted in the deaths of at least 34 people, including six children, with attacks hitting residential areas and a top university. The assaults targeted over a dozen cities, including Tehran, Qom, and Bandar-e Lengeh. According to Iran's Fars news agency, an air attack in Baharestan County, Tehran province, killed 23 individuals, among them four girls and two boys under the age of 10.
The strikes extended beyond military objectives to critical civilian infrastructure. Sharif University in Tehran, often compared to MIT, sustained severe damage, with its mosque and laboratories extensively destroyed. Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi reported that at least 30 universities have been hit since the conflict began on February 28, highlighting the broad impact on educational and civil facilities.
These attacks followed an expletive-laden ultimatum from US President Donald Trump, who allegedly demanded that Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants and bridges. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned Trump's statements as "an indication of a criminal mindset" and "incitement to war crimes and crimes against humanity," asserting that Iran would not be coerced into unfavorable agreements.
Advisor to Iran's leadership Ali Akbar Velayati warned that any miscalculation by either side could severely disrupt global energy flows and international trade. Concurrently, Israel faced retaliatory missile attacks from Iran, with two fatalities reported in Haifa and multiple injuries in Tel Aviv and other locations, underscoring the escalating cycle of violence.
The situation exacerbates regional instability, with Iran threatening "in kind" responses to any infrastructure attacks. The Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for approximately 20% of global oil and gas transit, remains a focal point of tension, posing significant risks to international energy security and economic stability amid the ongoing confrontations.
Source: www.aljazeera.com