Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Mar 2: Israel carried out air strikes targeting Gandhi Hospital in northern Tehran on Sunday, according to Reuters, as joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran entered their second day.
The escalation follows earlier strikes that reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s ISNA news agency alleged that the hospital was hit in what it termed “Zionist-American air strikes”. Separate reports from Fars and Mizan news agencies carried video footage from inside the hospital showing debris scattered across floors near wheelchairs, indicating damage within the premises.
Two witnesses in the Gandhi Street area told Reuters that the hospital sustained significant damage and that patients were evacuated from the site following the strikes.
Explosions were reported in parts of Tehran as the military operation continued into Sunday night. Israel said it was directing attacks towards central areas of the Iranian capital.
In response, Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel, US military bases in the Gulf region, as well as the Saudi capital and Dubai, raising fears of further regional escalation.
Meanwhile, Iran announced the formation of a three-member interim leadership council to govern the country until a new supreme leader is appointed. The council comprises President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei, and cleric Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi. Pezeshkian confirmed in a state television address that the council had commenced its duties.
On the Israeli side, the Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said 100 fighter jets struck multiple government-linked sites in Tehran simultaneously. The targets included facilities associated with Iran’s air force, missile command and internal security forces.
The developments mark a sharp intensification of hostilities, with both sides continuing military operations amid growing international concern over the expanding conflict.