The number of people k!lled in United States and Israeli strikes across Iran has risen to at least 555, according to figures released by the Iranian Red Crescent.
The humanitarian organisation said bombardments have affected a wide geographic area, with attacks reported in 131 cities nationwide, according to The Telegraph.
Emergency teams remain deployed across multiple provinces amid ongoing rescue and medical operations.
“Following enemy attacks in recent days, so far 131 cities have been involved in the incident,” the Red Crescent said in a statement, adding that relief activities were continuing around the clock.
“Five hundred and fifty-five compatriots were martyred, and rescue, relief, transfer, and medical services operations are being carried out continuously,” the organisation stated.
It further noted that more than 100,000 rescue and relief workers had been placed on full alert as authorities respond to the growing humanitarian crisis.
The rising casualty toll comes as Iran’s interim leadership moved to consolidate power after the k!lling of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint U.S.-Israeli attacks earlier in the conflict.
Iran’s temporary leadership council convened its second meeting late Sunday, where President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue the policies of the late leader.
“The temporary leadership council started its work today and by God’s grace and power will continue the path of the late imam and the dear martyred leader and the path of all truth-seekers in the world,” Pezeshkian was quoted as saying in a recorded video message following the session.
In his remarks, the president issued a stern warning to Washington and Tel Aviv, declaring that the killing of Iran’s supreme leader would not weaken the country.
“America and the Israeli regime should know that martyring the supreme leader of the Islamic Revolution will bring them nothing but humiliation,” he said.
Pezeshkian also urged citizens to demonstrate unity and public solidarity during what he described as a national period of mourning and resistance.
“Our dear nation is mourning this great martyr today, and all of us, with our presence on the scene and in the field, in mosques and streets, must thwart the enemies’ sinister plans with empathy and hand in hand,” he said.
He added that Iran’s military remained prepared for further confrontation, saying, “The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are ready and will be ready to crush the bases of enemies, and will disappoint enemies as always.”
