Israel Clarifies No Intent to Target Tehran Civilians Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz clarified on Monday that Israel has no intention of deliberately targeting civilians in Tehran, amid escalating rhetoric between Israel and Iran. The statement came after Katz’s earlier remarks sparked concerns over potential direct attacks on Iran’s capital.

"I wish to clarify the obvious: there is no intention to physically harm the residents of Tehran, as the murderous dictator does to the residents of Israel," Katz said, referring to Iran’s Supreme Leader. His comments aimed to walk back prior statements that were widely interpreted as threatening Tehran's population.

Katz emphasized that any future military action by Israel would focus solely on regime-related infrastructure. “The residents of Tehran will have to pay the price of dictatorship and evacuate their homes from areas where it will be necessary to attack regime targets and security infrastructures in Tehran,” he added.

The clarification highlights the delicate balance Israel seeks to maintain as tensions in the region rise, especially in the wake of ongoing hostilities in Gaza and Iran’s increased involvement in supporting militant groups. Israeli officials have consistently stated that their operations are aimed at dismantling military threats and not at civilian populations.

The escalating conflict has drawn global concern, with world leaders urging restraint amid fears of a broader regional war. Katz’s revised statement appears intended to reduce the risk of international backlash while reiterating Israel’s stance on neutralizing threats posed by Iran’s military presence and its support for proxy forces.

As the situation develops, both nations remain under international scrutiny, with diplomatic and military responses being closely monitored. The emphasis on targeting regime infrastructure rather than civilians may play a crucial role in shaping global perceptions of Israel’s strategy in the event of further escalation.