Israeli Minister’s Threats Spark Outrage as Civilian Death Toll Rises in Tehran

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz’s remarks following Iran’s eighth retaliatory strike on Israeli-occupied territories have stirred widespread backlash. Katz had initially warned that the “residents of Tehran” would “pay the price” for Iran’s successful offensive—a statement that, though directed at an Israeli audience, quickly spread across Persian social media platforms.

The provocative language undermined Israel’s ongoing attempts to incite unrest within Iran. Amid the backlash, Katz posted a clarification in English on social media platform X, stating: “I wish to clarify the obvious: there is no intention to physically harm the residents of Tehran.”

However, that reassurance appeared hollow to many, as Israeli strikes have continued targeting residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure in Tehran. Since Israel’s deadly assault campaign began on Friday, at least 224 Iranian civilians have reportedly been killed, casting doubt on Katz’s denial.

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A partial list of ordinary Tehran residents killed in recent Israeli attacks includes:

• Mehdi Akbari Nasab and his wife

• Ehsan Eshraghi and his daughter

• Amir Ali Amini and his father

• Parnia Abbasi, her mother, father, and brother

• The Zenili family (parents and two children)

• Dr. Marzieh Asgari

• Rayan Ghasemian

• Zahra Shams

• Saleh Bairami

• Matin Safaeian

• Fereshteh Bagheri

• Majid Tajen Jari

• Maryam Minaei

• Mansoureh Alikhani

• Mehdi Pouladvand

• Mehnoosh Haji Soltani

• Mahya Nikzad

• Niloufar Ghalehvand

These names reflect only a fraction of the lives lost, amplifying criticism of Israel’s continued military actions that have increasingly targeted civilian populations.