US-Israeli strike on Isfahan kills 26, half of them women and children

A US-Israeli airstrike on a residential neighborhood in the central Iranian city of Isfahan has claimed the lives of 26 people, Iranian officials confirmed Friday. According to the semi-official Fars News Agency, citing the Isfahan Governor’s Office, the victims of Thursday’s attack included seven women and seven children—more than half of the total fatalities.

Civilian toll rises

The attack represents one of the deadliest single strikes on a civilian area since the conflict began. Isfahan, located south of the capital Tehran, has been a frequent target in the ongoing air offensive. Local authorities have not yet released further details on the identities of the victims or whether there were additional casualties requiring medical treatment.

A conflict nearing one month

The US and Israel launched their joint air offensive against Iran on February 28, a campaign that has so far claimed over 1,340 lives, including Iran’s then‑supreme leader. Tehran has responded with waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting American military assets, causing widespread infrastructure damage and disrupting global energy markets and aviation.

Türkiye’s call to protect civilians

As civilian casualties continue to mount, Türkiye has reiterated its demand for the protection of non‑combatants under international humanitarian law. Ankara has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire and warned that the targeting of residential areas and civilian infrastructure constitutes a grave violation of international law. Turkish officials have urged the international community to take concrete steps to end the bloodshed and prevent further loss of innocent life.