New Delhi: Tehran descended into chaos on Sunday after a series of Israeli airstrikes struck multiple key locations across the Iranian capital. Explosions shook the city as reports emerged of attacks on government buildings, police headquarters, and nearby residential areas. In response, large numbers of citizens began fleeing the city, triggering massive traffic jams on major highways including Tehran-North, Tehran-Qom and Haraz Road.
According to Iranian media, missiles hit the Intelligence Ministry building on Khaje Abdullah Street. A major explosion was also reported near the national police headquarters, confirmed by local outlet Didban Iran. Separately, videos released by Iran International showed widespread destruction in the Niru Air area, where several buildings appeared to have been completely reduced to rubble. The full extent of casualties and property loss remains unclear.
Iran blames US complicity
Israeli media reported that multiple “designated targets” were hit in a coordinated offensive across Tehran. Eyewitnesses described the city under siege and called on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to end the conflict.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held the United States responsible for the attacks, claiming Israel would not have launched such an assault without US backing. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Pezeshkian warned that while Iran does not seek war, continued aggression would provoke a powerful retaliation by the military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He said America’s “complicity” was forcing Iran to respond forcefully.
Drone strikes, airport chaos
Amid the airstrikes, tensions escalated further when the Israeli Air Force reported shooting down an Iranian drone over the Jordan Valley. Iran reportedly launched dozens of drones throughout the day, most of which were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems.
Adding to the confusion, reports surfaced about explosions near Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. While airport officials denied any direct attack on the facility, video footage accessed by Iran International appeared to show smoke and blasts near the airport, suggesting surrounding areas may have been targeted. As both countries trade fire and accusations, the already volatile conflict between Iran and Israel shows no signs of de-escalating.
