US and Israel bomb Iran for fourth day as Trump says air defences ‘gone’

US and Israel Continue Aerial Assault on Iran, Fourth Day of Strikes

The United States and Israel intensified their bombardment of Iranian targets, marking the fourth consecutive day of military action. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran’s air defences, air force, navy, and leadership had been “gone” following the strikes. The Israeli military confirmed attacks on the presidential office, a hidden nuclear site, and a Revolutionary Guards commander in Tehran, while the US military reported the destruction of command centers, missile sites, and airfields.

Iranian officials have remained silent on the strikes, despite reports of explosions across the country. The Red Crescent stated that 780 people had died since Saturday, though no immediate confirmation was given. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf nations hosting US bases. A drone struck a car park near the US consulate in Dubai on Tuesday, sparking a fire, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Earlier that day, two drones hit the US embassy in Riyadh, causing a “limited fire” as per Saudi defense ministry statements.

“We’ve had a very powerful impact. Virtually everything they had has been knocked out now. Their missile count is going down,”

Trump said at the White House. He reiterated that 49 Iranian leaders were “taken out” during the initial strikes and hinted at “another hit today on the new leadership,” without providing specifics. When asked about remaining targets, he remarked: “Most of the people we had in mind are dead.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed an air strike in Tehran had killed Daoud Alizadeh, the temporary commander of the Lebanon Corps within the Quds Force. Alizadeh was accused of pushing Hezbollah to target Israel. The IDF has conducted multiple strikes in Lebanon since Monday, when Hezbollah launched rockets and drones over the border. It also claimed to have hit a covert facility near Tehran, alleging scientists linked to the defense ministry were developing nuclear capabilities.

Despite the attacks, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted “some recent damage” to the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant but stated no radiological consequences were expected. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) confirmed no radioactive material had been released from the site. Natanz, which was heavily damaged in a June strike during the Iran-Israel conflict, is believed to house enriched uranium underground. This material can be used for both reactor fuel and weapons-grade production.

The US military’s Central Command reported that its forces targeted IRGC command-and-control hubs, air defense systems, and military infrastructure. Satellite imagery released by Vantor showed severe damage to the presidential office, alongside key political and military buildings such as the judiciary complex, intelligence ministry, and state broadcaster headquarters. Iran’s clerical body, responsible for overseeing religious and political affairs, has yet to respond to the latest developments.