By John Moses
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned civilians in Tehran to vacate key areas of the city, as Israel intensifies its military posturing against Iran in response to ongoing hostilities.
Speaking on Monday during a visit to an Israeli airbase, Netanyahu signalled a sharp escalation in rhetoric, stating that Israel is progressing towards achieving its twin objectives: neutralising Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
“If we gain control of the skies above Tehran, we will strike regime targets,” he said. “We are urging Tehran’s civilians: leave now – because we will act.”
His remarks came as the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) issued an “urgent warning” to residents of a 30-square-kilometre area in the Iranian capital to evacuate. The district includes several embassies, commercial centres, and affluent residential neighbourhoods, reportedly housing approximately 300,000 people.
Eyewitnesses in Tehran reported explosions in the western part of the city on Monday, while media outlets noted Israeli airstrikes were also carried out in the east.
The IDF’s call to evacuate mirrors its controversial tactics used during its military operations in Gaza, where similar warnings often preceded air assaults.
Netanyahu accused Iran of targeting Israeli civilians and reiterated that the Israeli government would not hesitate to respond decisively.
The mounting confrontation has raised fears of a broader regional escalation, as diplomatic efforts to calm tensions appear increasingly fragile.
