Fresh waves of US and Israeli airstrikes have hammered multiple sites deep inside Tehran, including IRGC command centers and remaining air-defense batteries, as Iranian control over its capital appears increasingly fragile. Explosions lit up the night sky for hours, with residents reporting power outages and widespread panic. Local media showed dramatic footage of fires raging near government buildings.

Iranian leadership has issued defiant statements, but observers note that air defenses have been significantly degraded after nine days of relentless attacks. The recent death of the previous Supreme Leader and the rapid appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei have added layers of internal uncertainty.

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session with calls for immediate de-escalation, while Russia and China accused the US and Israel of “naked aggression.” Casualty figures continue to rise on both sides.

This new phase of strikes marks a dangerous turning point, with analysts warning that Iran may resort to more asymmetric retaliation tactics in the coming days.