Iranians have been left reeling after deadly Israeli attacks on their country’s top military officials and nuclear scientists.
Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” is far more extensive than previous operations, including last year’s missile and drone exchanges between the two countries.
The strikes killed ranking member of Iran’s military and paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, something unseen since Iran’s war with Iraq in the 1990s.
Dozens were killed and hundreds more injured.
Israel says the attacks will continue, raising the risk of further escalation and a broader conflict across the Middle East. Residents in Tehran rushed to stores to stock up on supplies as the situation escalates.
Iranian state television repeatedly aired footage of missile strikes on Tel Aviv throughout Saturday morning. The broadcaster also showed people cheering in front of a screen set up in Tehran to follow the strikes as if they were watching a football match.
“Israel killed our commanders and what do they expect in return? A kiss?” said Mahmoud Dorri, a 29-year-old taxi driver. “We will go after them to punish them: an eye for an eye.”
In downtown Tehran, 31-year-old teacher and mother of two Pari Pourghazi expressed her joy over Iran’s attack, linking it to Israel’s devastating war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“Someone should stop the Israelis. They think they can do anything they want at any time,” she said. “Iran showed the Israelis are wrong, though they could suppress people in Gaza or Lebanon by heavy bombing.”
Auto mechanic Houshang Ebadi, 61, also backed the Iranian strike but said he opposed a full-fledged war between Iran and Israel.
“I support my country. The Israelis made a mistake in launching attacks on Iran but I hope this comes to an end,” Ebadi said. “War will not bear fruit for any side.”
Following the strikes, several governments issued red travel warnings for their citizens in Iran and across the region. Flights were diverted or cancelled as airlines face airspace closures.
Some foreigners travelled to Iran’s border with Azerbaijan to flee the escalating conflict, including a Russian symphonic orchestra.
The Archbishop of Tehran issued an appeal for peace and dialogue and cautioned against the use of pre-emptive military action.
