New Delhi — Updated: 09:37 AM Apr 07, 2026 IST
Iran on Tuesday accused Israel of an early-morning strike that damaged a Jewish synagogue in Tehran, as regional hostilities intensify.
“In a predictable turn, Israel strikes early this morning damaged a Jewish synagogue in Tehran,” the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai posted on X. The statement added that Jews in Iran “enjoy one of the most secure and respected lives” and noted the community holds a reserved seat in parliament.
There was no immediate response from Israel, and independent verification of the synagogue’s damage was not available.
The claim comes as tensions across West Asia have risen, with Israel expanding military operations and Iran accusing it of hitting civilian and symbolic targets. A social-media screengrab released by Reuters showed smoke over Azadi Square in Tehran following a reported strike.
Iran hosts one of the largest Jewish communities in the Middle East outside Israel, with estimates of about 8,000 to 10,000 Jews, mainly in Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan. Despite long-standing political hostility between Tehran and Jerusalem, Iran’s Jewish community has maintained a distinct identity and is officially recognised as a religious minority.
Under Iran’s constitution, Jews are allocated one parliamentary seat, and community institutions such as synagogues and schools continue to operate under state supervision.
