Over 150 cities hit in Iran as casualties near 800, aid group says

Tehran (Web Desk): At least 787 people have lost their lives since Saturday in sustained military action carried out by Israel and the United States against Iran, according to figures released Tuesday by the Iranian Red Crescent Society, as the confrontation continues to edge the region closer to a full-scale conflict.

The humanitarian body said in a message posted on its Telegram account that airstrikes have impacted 153 cities nationwide. It added that more than 3,600 rescue workers and emergency personnel have been dispatched across the country.

Recovery efforts remain ongoing in numerous areas, with teams still retrieving victims and survivors from the ruins of targeted structures. The organization did not provide updated data regarding the number of injured.

Meanwhile, the Norway-based rights organization Hengaw reported a much higher fatality count, stating on Monday that the death toll had surpassed 1,500 since the bombardment began. Hengaw said roughly 1,300 of those killed were members of the armed forces, while about 200 were civilians.

The group noted that it compiles casualty data through an internal network of sources inside Iran.

The figures released by both groups have not been independently confirmed

The newly reported toll reflects a steep increase compared with preliminary numbers shared over the weekend by Iranian officials and relief agencies, highlighting both the intensity of the strikes and the obstacles in reaching certain affected regions.

The extensive offensive launched by Washington and Tel Aviv on Saturday targeted a range of Iranian military installations and political sites. Iranian and regional accounts indicated that several high-ranking officials were killed, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders.

In retaliation, Tehran has carried out drone and missile operations aimed at Israel and Gulf nations that host American military facilities, hitting or attempting to hit bases and other sites associated with US forces, further escalating tensions across the Middle East.