TEHRAN: Israeli warplanes struck densely populated residential neighborhoods in eastern Tehran on Monday evening, shortly after the army issued evacuation orders for Iranian residents, local media reported. The strikes come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran following a series of attacks exchanged between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Iran's Press TV reported the attacks but did not provide specifics regarding the targets or potential casualties. The situation remains tense as details about the impact of the strikes are yet to be fully disclosed.

Earlier on Monday, the Israeli army had ordered residents of Tehran's District 3, a key area that hosts government ministries and foreign embassies, to evacuate immediately in anticipation of further airstrikes. The warning emphasized the imminent danger, stating, "In the coming hours, the IDF (army) will operate in the region to attack military structures of the Iranian regime, as it has done across Tehran in recent days."

The evacuation order marked a significant development, as it was the first time Tehran residents faced such directives since the escalation of hostilities on Friday. This confrontation between Israel and Iran has been described as one of their worst, with both sides suffering casualties.

Regional tensions have been on the rise since Friday, when Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on various sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Tehran initiated missile strikes against Israeli targets. Israeli authorities reported at least 24 fatalities and hundreds of injuries from these Iranian missile attacks.

Conversely, Iran has stated that at least 224 individuals have died, with over 1,000 others injured due to the ongoing Israeli assault. The exchange of hostilities marks a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between the two nations.