Early Wednesday, Iran launched hypersonic missiles at Israel, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warned that American patience was “wearing thin,” escalating the tensions between the two countries.
Declaring it the 11th wave of Operation Honest Promise 3, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed accountability for the assault. The IRGC stated its Fattah1 hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling over five times the speed of sound, were “shaking the shelters” in Tel Aviv, where air raid sirens and explosions punctuated early morning hours.
Sixth Day of War: No Signs of De-escalation
According to the Israeli military, Israel kept up its air campaign with predawn attacks on Tehran aimed at a centrifuge facility and weapons manufacturing sites. To get ready for revenge, Iranian officials sent Tel Aviv residents alerts. According to Israeli sources, Iran also deployed a swarm of drones, some of which were intercepted over the Dead Sea.
Following Israel’s surprise aerial bombardment last Friday on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, this is the sixth straight day of fierce military confrontations.
Trump’s Provocative Remarks
President Trump, fresh from an early exit from the G7 summit in Canada, threatened Iran’s leadership back in Washington, writing on Truth Social:
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding… We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”
Nuclear Sites Targeted
Explosions were reported in Isfahan and at Iran’s Natanz nuclear plant, where the UN nuclear monitor stated that underground enrichment halls had “direct effects.” Though Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons, Israel claims the strikes are to stop Iran’s atomic ambitions.
Israel has not officially confirmed the attack on Natanz. Though Israel keeps uncertainty about its nuclear program, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimates the nation holds roughly 90 nuclear warheads.
Civilian Impact & Global Response
Both Tel Aviv’s and Tehran’s residential districts have taken a hit, therefore causing extensive evacuations. More than 700 foreign nationals are said to have fled Iran into nearby Armenia and Azerbaijan. Evacuees include citizens from Russia, China, the United States, and several EU member nations.
While citizens have sought shelter in underground parking buildings in Tel Aviv, Iranian cities have experienced fuel shortages and panic buying.
Since Friday, at least 224 people—including nuclear scientists, high-ranking officers, and civilians—have perished in Iran. Netanyahu’s office says 24 deaths have been confirmed with hundreds of others injured in Israel.
