Israeli strikes kill 18 in East Azerbaijan as Iran death toll surpasses 100

At least 18 people were killed and 35 injured on Friday in Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, bringing the total death toll from the attacks to 104, according to Iranian state media.

Fresh Israeli airstrikes hit Iran’s northeastern province of East Azerbaijan on Friday, killing at least 18 people and injuring 35 others.

The strikes, which also targeted the capital Tehran and the city of Tabriz, mark a significant escalation in Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. Since early Friday, a total of 104 people have been killed and 376 injured in Israeli attacks on Iranian territory, according to Iranian media.

The large-scale operation, reportedly involving around 200 Israeli aircraft, targeted key military sites, including those associated with Iran’s nuclear program and long-range missile development. Among the dead are several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military operation was “targeted” and would continue “as long as necessary” to neutralize threats posed by Iran.

In response, Iran has condemned the attacks as “a declaration of war” and called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Tehran’s UN mission emphasized its right to self-defense and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for what it described as an unprovoked act of aggression.

The escalating conflict has cast serious doubt over the future of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. The sixth round of indirect talks, which was scheduled for Sunday in Oman, is now expected to be canceled, according to sources familiar with the matter.

US President Donald Trump, writing on Truth Social, said he had given Iran “chance after chance to make a deal” and warned Tehran to act “before it is too late.”

Tensions in the region remain high, with observers warning of further escalation and spillover effects on global security and energy markets.

Copied