The Iranian Ministry of Health has reported a substantial increase in casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes, with the death toll now reaching 224 since the onset of latest attacks.

This figure marks a significant rise from the previously confirmed total of 128 fatalities.

In the wake of the aerial bombardments, residents in Tehran are attempting to flee the city in search of safety, leading to crowded highways and closed shops.

Long queues have formed at gas stations as many seek to evacuate.

One resident expressed a sentiment of disbelief, highlighting the surreal nature of living in what has effectively become an active war zone, stating, "I just want to survive with my family."

Iranian state media confirmed the death of Major General Mohamed Kazemi, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence unit, in the recent strikes.

Alongside him, his deputy Hasan Mohakek and commander Mohsen Bakeri were also reported killed.

The situation escalated further as Iranian state television claimed that dozens of rockets and drones were launched towards cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, asserting that they breached layers of Israel’s defense system.

This was followed by reports of strikes hitting residential buildings in Haifa, prompting emergency response teams to confirm the damage.

The Israeli Defense Forces reported intercepting rockets launched from Iran, urging citizens to seek immediate shelter.

Sirens were activated across various regions, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where reports of explosions were confirmed.

Eyewitness accounts described chaotic scenes as residents raced for safety amidst air raid sirens.

Israeli military operations have resulted in ongoing retaliatory strikes targeting Iranian missile launching sites across western Iran.

The Israeli government confirmed that a significant number of strikes were conducted on key military targets associated with Iran's missile capabilities, with claims of several drones and ballistic missile strikes hitting Iranian territory.

In an effort to challenge the Iranian offensive, airstrikes were reportedly directed at an Iranian airbase utilized for missile storage and launch operations.

Additional reports indicated damage to a facility believed to be involved in drone manufacturing, raising concerns about the capability of Iranian military technology.

International diplomatic channels remain strained, with both nations exchanging accusations.

Iranian officials have indicated that the airstrikes would not have occurred without the endorsement of the United States, pointing to a complex geopolitical landscape where military actions are intertwined with broader international relations.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with increasing numbers of wounded.

Israeli health authorities have reported at least 15 fatalities on their side, including minors, as retaliatory attacks continue.

Casualty numbers are expected to rise as military exchanges persist.

In a related development, Internet access in Iran has been limited following the attacks.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX activated Starlink internet service to provide connectivity for Iranians amidst the restrictions imposed by the government.

This situation paints a picture of increasing domestic turmoil as well as foreign involvement in the escalating conflict.