US-Israeli strikes 'completely destroy' synagogue in Tehran
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Alex MacDonald
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Tue, 04/07/2026 - 09:53
Footage showed the Rafi-Nia Synagogue in central Tehran reduced to rubble
A still from footage released by the IRNA news agency shows the aftermath of the strike on Rafi-Nia Synagogue (IRNA)
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US-Israeli strikes on the Iranian capital Tehran have "completely destroyed" one of the city's synagogues, according to local media.
Iran's Mehr news agency and the reformist Shargh outlet said the Rafi-Nia Synagogue was hit by early morning air strikes in the city.
Footage released by local media outlets appeared to show rescue workers looking through the rubble of the building, with Hebrew liturgical texts strewn on the ground.
There was no immediate report of casualties.
Shargh described the building as "one of the most important places for Khorasan Jews to gather and celebrate" in the city, referring to Jews who trace their origins back to the historical northeastern region.
Israel and the US have yet to comment on the strike, which comes during the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Middle East Eye has asked the Israeli military for comment.
Iran has the third-largest Jewish population in the Middle East after Israel and Turkey, with a 2016 census placing the number of Jews at just over 9,000, though some members of the community believe the real number is higher.
Serious damage to a synagogue in Central Tehran after an Israeli or American strike pic.twitter.com/bkELCBx8SX
— Alireza Talakoubnejad (@websterkaroon) April 7, 2026
Judaism is protected and recognised under Iranian law. There are around 30 synagogues in Tehran, which has been under continuous bombardment by Israeli and US strikes since 28 February.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) 3,600 Iranians have been killed since attacks began, including at least 1,665 civilians.
Members of the country's Jewish community told Middle East Eye in March of their fears and concerns for the future of their lives in Iran.
“Yes, I’m Jewish. But I cannot see the country where I was born and raised as my enemy,” said a 46-year-old businesswoman from Shiraz.
“I am both Jewish and Iranian. Because of that, I believe I can judge this situation without hatred. Much of the chaos we have seen in the region in recent years is connected to Netanyahu’s policies.”
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