Overnight airstrikes in Tehran have resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of a historic religious site highlighting the intensifying humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict.
Reports from Iranian media say the Rafi Nia synagogue in central Tehran was completely destroyed after a nearby residential building was struck.
Officials indicated the synagogue was likely not the intended target but was destroyed by the impact of a precision strike.
A representative of Iran’s Jewish community confirmed that ancient Torah scrolls remain buried under the rubble and noted the timing coincided with a religious observance.
The synagogue had served as an important religious and social center for the local Jewish community.
The incident forms part of a wider wave of strikes between April 6 and 7 described by authorities as among the most intense since the conflict began.
Iran’s Health Ministry reported at least fifteen deaths in Tehran province overnight including fatalities in densely populated residential areas.
Monitoring groups say strikes have affected at least twenty provinces within forty eight hours indicating a sharp escalation.
Casualty figures vary widely with official estimates reporting over two thousand deaths while independent groups suggest significantly higher numbers including large civilian losses.
The conflict has also impacted neighboring countries and US forces in the region have reported casualties.
Tensions have increased following US warnings of potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.
Iran has responded with threats of retaliation particularly in response to strikes on cultural and religious sites.
Diplomatic efforts for a temporary ceasefire are ongoing but remain uncertain.
As the conflict enters its sixth week the destruction of civilian and cultural sites underscores the deepening crisis.
