In a bold escalation of its military strategy, Israel is reportedly aiming to destabilise the Iranian regime by directly targeting civilian-populated areas in Tehran. According to a report by Israel’s Channel 14, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have authorised a “newly approved strike plan” that seeks to apply massive pressure on the Iranian regime.
Tamir Morag, diplomatic correspondent for Channel 14, stated that the operation intends to prompt a “mass exodus” of civilians from Tehran through targeted strikes on regime-controlled zones. “The plan is designed to trigger a mass exodus of civilians from Tehran and serves as a powerful lever of pressure on the regime – in a way that could destabilise it,” Morag explained in a post on social media platform X.
He added that Israeli attacks would now focus on strategic locations within the capital, compelling evacuations that could weaken the Iranian government’s grip amid internal and external pressures. Quoting an unnamed security official, Morag said, “Each day, the plan will intensify and produce results.”
Israel Denies Regime Change Ambition
Despite the aggressive tone of Channel 14’s report, Israeli officials have publicly denied seeking regime change in Iran. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in an interview with CNN, insisted that internal political decisions in Iran must come from within. “That would be for the Iranian people to decide,” he said.
The statement comes at a time when international concern is growing over a possible regional war, following weeks of tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Iran. Israeli sources have described recent operations as retaliation for Iranian-linked attacks on Israeli territory, but analysts say the strategy now appears to extend beyond simple deterrence.
Saar’s remarks appear to aim at calming global apprehension while maintaining a hardline stance against Iran’s military influence in the region. Critics, however, view the contradiction between diplomatic statements and military actions as a sign of deeper objectives.
Iran Strikes Back, Casualties in Haifa Reported
Meanwhile, in response to Israel’s intensified actions, Iran launched another wave of missile attacks, hitting key locations near the Israeli port city of Haifa. According to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster, at least two people suffered light injuries and three others are currently unaccounted for.
Read: Pakistan Denies Supplying Missiles to Iran Amid Conflict Claims
The attack reportedly caused fires at a local power plant near the Haifa port, indicating a direct hit on critical infrastructure. Emergency services rushed to the scene as authorities launched search operations for the missing individuals.
This fresh exchange further inflames an already volatile situation in the region, raising fears of a broader conflict. Military analysts warn that as both sides escalate operations, the risk of miscalculation and full-scale war grows significantly.
Global leaders have urged restraint, but the developments on the ground suggest both Israel and Iran are preparing for a long and dangerous confrontation. As each side claims justification, civilians remain caught in the crossfire — both in Iran’s capital and Israel’s northern cities.