Tensions between Iran and Israel surged dramatically early Wednesday, as Tehran launched hypersonic missile strikes against Israeli targets following a stern ultimatum from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The latest escalation marks a significant intensification in a conflict that has now entered its sixth consecutive day, with both nations exchanging long-range attacks amid growing international alarm.
Despite asserting that the United States is not involved in Israel’s bombing operations, Trump has issued clear warnings to Tehran, stating that Washington’s patience is wearing thin. His remarks come amid widespread concerns that the current hostilities could spiral into a broader regional war.
In a significant development overnight, Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes in Tehran, specifically targeting weapons manufacturing centers and a facility involved in producing centrifuges. This attack followed an official military warning advising civilians in one district of the Iranian capital to evacuate for their safety.
In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the launch of its Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles targeting Tel Aviv. According to state television, the missiles were part of what the Guards referred to as “the 11th wave of the proud Operation Honest Promise 3,” which they claimed shook shelters in the Israeli commercial center.
Hypersonic missiles, which can exceed five times the speed of sound and change direction mid-flight, are considered exceptionally difficult to track and intercept. Alongside the missile strikes, Iran also unleashed a “swarm of drones” towards Israeli territory, with Israeli forces reportedly intercepting two drones in the vicinity of the Dead Sea.
As both sides escalate their attacks, global powers have been scrambling to find a diplomatic solution. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held late-night calls with both his Iranian counterpart and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, pushing for de-escalation and dialogue.
Trump, who left the G7 summit in Canada abruptly to return to Washington, met with the National Security Council upon his arrival. Although the meeting concluded without a public statement, Trump reiterated his hardline stance on social media, declaring that the U.S. could easily eliminate Iran’s Supreme Leader, though “not for now.”
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “He is an easy target, but is safe there — We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”
Despite repeatedly claiming to want to avoid entangling the U.S. in prolonged Middle East conflicts, Trump has deployed the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and accompanying military aircraft to the region. U.S. officials clarified that no final decision on direct intervention has been made.
Meanwhile, both Israeli and Iranian cities are witnessing significant civilian displacement. In Iran, Tel Aviv’s ongoing aerial assault has prompted residents in Tehran to flee, forming long queues at bakeries and fuel stations in anticipation of further strikes. In Israel, civilians are retreating to makeshift shelters, including underground parking structures in Tel Aviv, seeking refuge from recurring air raid sirens.
The intensifying conflict has also disrupted financial institutions in Iran. Fars news agency reported that a cyberattack crippled Sepah Bank, one of the country’s largest state-owned banks, adding another layer of instability.
At the heart of the Israeli offensive is a purported effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons—an accusation Tehran continues to deny. Explosions were reported in Isfahan, home to several nuclear sites, while the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed apparent direct impacts on underground enrichment facilities at Natanz.
Efforts to revive nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have collapsed, with Tehran declaring it will not engage in talks while under military assault. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized Trump’s pivotal role in restoring diplomatic channels, warning that regime change in Iran could trigger widespread “chaos.”
The international response has been polarized. China accused Trump of exacerbating tensions, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “the biggest threat to the security of the region.”
According to Israeli government figures, at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Israel since the onset of hostilities last Friday. Iran’s last official update reported 224 fatalities, including military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians.
What you should know
The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel is approaching a critical point, with both nations exchanging advanced missile strikes and world leaders warning of a broader regional war.
President Trump has taken a hardline position, demanding Iran’s surrender and deploying military assets, though direct U.S. involvement remains uncertain. Civilian populations in both countries are suffering the brunt of the violence, while diplomatic efforts hang in the balance.
