Iranian nuclear scientist Isar Tabatabai-Qamsheh and his wife were killed in an Israeli attack.

Iranian nuclear scientist Isar Tabatabai-Qamsheh and his wife were killed in an Israeli attack.

Israeli forces have launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, with reports emerging from Tehran that an IDF drone targeted and killed Iranian nuclear scientist Isar Tabatabai-Qamsheh. The scientist, who specialized in weaponry, was reportedly holed up in a safe house in central Tehran [1].

The strike comes as Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to "intensify strikes on regime targets in Tehran" to "destabilize" the Iranian regime [1]. Katz's remarks are notable as Israel has not officially stated that the toppling of Iran's regime is a goal of the current offensive, alongside destroying the country's nuclear program and ballistic missile infrastructure [1].

The air campaign has also seen the destruction of missile launchers and storage sites in Iran's Tabriz and Kermanshah, with evacuation orders issued to local residents [1]. Additionally, Israeli airstrikes have reached into the city of Rasht on the Caspian Sea, with the Israeli military warning the public to flee the area [1].

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that key buildings at Iran's Arak heavy water research site in Khondab were damaged in Israeli strikes [1]. Iran has not acknowledged these losses or discussed the damage done to its military in the weeklong war.

The Iranian regime has responded with rallies and protests, with state media reporting them as "rallies of rage and victory" and "solidarity and resistance" [1]. The regime has also launched ballistic missiles at Israel, with the most recent strike hitting Beersheba on Friday, injuring seven and causing major damage to residential buildings [1].

The conflict has disrupted Israel's economy, with Danish shipping giant Maersk announcing that it is temporarily suspending vessel calls in Haifa port due to the conflict [1]. So far, Iran's missile attacks have killed 24 people and wounded thousands in Israel [1].

References:
[1] https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-drone-strike-said-to-target-iranian-nuclear-scientist-in-a-tehran-safehouse/