In a significant escalation of regional hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are intensifying their military operations against Iranian strategic assets. In a televised address, Netanyahu declared that the Israeli military is "crushing the terrorist regime in Iran", adding that the offensive is being conducted "with even greater vigour, and increasing force."
Meanwhile, citizens in the city of Ilam in Iran formed a human chain on Tuesday to demonstrate their defiance against recent threats from US President Donald Trump. According to the Iranian news agency, Tasnim, the public gathering was organised specifically to condemn the American administration's warnings of potential strikes on Iran's critical infrastructure, including bridges and power plants.
Visuals from the scene show a diverse group of residents, including men, women, and children, lining the roadside to create a symbolic barrier. Participants were seen holding Iranian flags and placards featuring the images of national leaders, while many joined hands to form a continuous line along a main thoroughfare.