Israeli Strikes Kill Iranian Civilians Amid Ongoing Conflict

Despite Israeli assertions that its military operations are aimed solely at high-value targets, hundreds of civilians have been killed in airstrikes across Iran. Among the victims: a young poet, a national equestrian champion, a graphic designer, and an 8-year-old girl in a red dress.

The Israeli military insists it is targeting senior military officials, nuclear scientists, and government leaders. Yet missiles and drones have struck densely populated residential areas, leaving a devastating toll. Iran’s Ministry of Health, which last updated casualty figures on Sunday, reported at least 224 dead and nearly 2,000 injured—including many women and children. That toll is expected to rise.

Over 50 residents from cities including Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Ahvaz, Mashhad, and Tabriz described widespread destruction and loss. Interviews, photos, videos, and firsthand accounts reviewed by The New York Times document the mounting civilian death toll and the collapse of civilian infrastructure.

Dr. Hossein Kermanpour, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, stated that 90% of casualties are civilians. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and all medical staff have been ordered to remain at their posts.

“There’s focus on military targets, but almost nothing is said about the civilian toll — which is far higher,” said Jila Baniyagoub, a journalist and women's rights advocate.

Among the many tragedies:

• Parnia Abbasi, a 23-year-old poet, died a week before her birthday when an Israeli missile leveled her family’s newly purchased apartment in central Tehran. Her parents and younger brother also perished.

• Tara Hajimiri, 8, who enjoyed dancing and gymnastics, was killed in a strike on Patrice Lumumba Street that left 60 dead. A viral video captured her dancing into her dentist’s office in a red dress.

• Mehdi Poladvand, 27, a national equestrian champion, was killed with his family in Karaj the day after competing in a race.

• Saleh Bayrami, a graphic designer with credits at National Geographic, was killed when a missile struck near Quds Square as he waited at a red light.

• Niloufar Ghalehvand, 32, a Pilates instructor, was honored by her fitness club after dying in a strike. “No to war,” read a message shared with footage of her funeral.

In another tragic case, Reza, a 59-year-old engineer, lost his elderly aunt and uncle in an overnight attack. The building collapsed before they could escape. Their children now visit the rubble daily, waiting for their parents’ bodies to be recovered.

Funerals have become a daily reality across Iran—often taking place under the threat of further air raids.