Iran's top cop instructs law enforcement to use firearms against thieves as conflict escalates with Israel and the United States

Iran's police chief, Ahmad Radan, announced on Friday that law enforcement officers have been given the authority to use firearms against individuals suspected of looting, citing the ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States.

This decision was made in response to the wartime conditions, with Radan stating that he has issued orders to shoot at potential thieves, who will be "swiftly neutralised".

Radan also mentioned that the authorities have implemented measures to maintain order in the online sphere, aiming to prevent the spread of agitation.

According to Radan, the goal is to prevent a group of "paid agents" from undermining the unity achieved by the people, which was won at the cost of "thousands of martyrs", by disseminating disruptive content.

The conflict in the Middle East began to escalate on Saturday, following the launch of strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, resulting in the death of the Islamic republic's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response to these strikes, Iran launched attacks on US bases in Gulf countries and Israel, utilising drones and missiles.

Iran's health ministry reported that nearly 1,000 people were killed in the US and Israeli strikes, which targeted military sites, residential areas, and other infrastructure.

However, the toll could not be independently verified by AFP.

The Iranian attacks on Israel resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, according to first responders in the country.

Meanwhile, the US military has reported the deaths of six personnel since the start of the war.