BEIJING/TEHRAN – Amid intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, China has begun evacuating its citizens from Iran, with the first batch of Chinese nationals crossing into Turkmenistan via land on Tuesday, according to China News Service. The move highlights growing international fears of a broader regional conflict.
The Israel-Iran aerial conflict surged dramatically overnight, with Iran claiming the launch of hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles at Israeli targets. This marks the 11th wave of Tehran’s retaliatory “Operation Honest Promise 3”, following Israeli strikes on Tehran’s District 18, as well as Piroozi, Sabalan, and Sayyad areas.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared their missiles were “repeatedly shaking the shelters” in Tel Aviv, while Iranian drones also targeted Israeli airspace — two of which were intercepted over the Dead Sea, according to Israeli military sources.
Hypersonic missiles, capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5 and evasive mid-flight manoeuvres, represent a dangerous escalation in the conflict’s technological warfare.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump – in a strongly worded statement – called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender”, while denying direct American involvement in Israel’s operations. Trump warned Tehran that “patience is wearing thin,” as the conflict entered its sixth consecutive day.
Death Toll Rising: Rights Group Contradicts Official Figures
A Washington-based human rights watchdog, Human Rights Activists, has sharply disputed Iranian official casualty figures, reporting a death toll of at least 585, significantly higher than the 224 confirmed by Iranian authorities.
The group claims:
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239 civilians and 126 security personnel are among the dead
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Over 1,326 people have been injured in Iranian territory alone
The data was sourced through cross-referenced local accounts and a trusted network within Iran, reminiscent of the group’s detailed casualty reports during the Mahsa Amini protests in 2022.
Iran has not consistently updated its official figures, last providing an update on Monday.
Outlook: Fears of Wider Regional Conflict
With global powers like China beginning evacuations and U.S. rhetoric escalating, observers fear the localized Israel-Iran conflict may spiral into a wider Middle East confrontation with unpredictable consequences.
Regional analysts warn that continued exchanges involving advanced missile systems and urban targets could draw in new actors, destabilizing oil markets, trade routes, and civilian safety across the region.