The true scale of casualties in the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran may never be established as independent observers are denied access to affected areas. Early estimates suggest thousands of civilians and combatants have been killed, with some reports placing the figure in the tens of thousands. The aerial bombardment campaign, which began 72 hours ago, has targeted military installations, nuclear facilities, and command centres across multiple Iranian provinces.
Hospitals in Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz are overwhelmed, with medical staff reporting shortages of blood, surgical supplies, and morgue capacity. The Iranian government has declared a state of emergency but has not released official casualty figures. The United States and Israel have confirmed the operation but declined to provide estimates of deaths.
Satellite imagery shows extensive damage to known military sites, but also to residential areas near target zones. The International Committee of the Red Cross has called for immediate humanitarian access, citing the risk of further escalation. The UN Security Council is expected to convene in emergency session later today.
The strategic objective of the campaign remains unclear, though analysts suggest it aims to degrade Iran's nuclear programme and regional influence. The long-term consequences for stability in the Middle East are likely to be profound.
