Iran claimed early Wednesday to have launched hypersonic missiles at Israel in retaliation for airstrikes on Tehran, escalating tensions between the arch-foes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that its Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles targeted Tel Aviv, “repeatedly shaking shelters” in the commercial hub.
The attack came hours after US President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and hinted at potential military action, boasting that the US could “easily assassinate” Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Overnight Strikes and Retaliation
Israeli warplanes struck District 18 in Tehran after issuing evacuation warnings, with explosions reported in Piroozi, Sabalan, and Sayyad neighborhoods. Iran retaliated with hypersonic missiles and drone swarms, though Israel intercepted two drones over the Dead Sea.
Hypersonic missiles, traveling at five times the speed of sound, are nearly impossible to intercept, marking a dangerous escalation in the conflict, now in its sixth day.
Trump’s Threats and US Military Moves
Trump, who abruptly left the G7 Summit in Canada, warned Iran in a Truth Social post:
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target… but we won’t take him out—for now.”
Despite denying direct involvement in Israel’s bombing campaign, Trump deployed the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and additional military aircraft to the region. US officials, however, stressed no decision on intervention has been made.
Civilian Evacuations and Regional Panic
As attacks intensify, foreign governments are evacuating citizens from both countries:
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Over 700 foreigners in Iran fled to Azerbaijan and Armenia, including Russians, Europeans, Chinese, and Americans.
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The US closed its Jerusalem embassy until Friday but has not arranged evacuations.
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Tehran residents are fleeing, with long queues at bakeries and petrol stations amid supply shortages.
A cyberattack also crippled Sepah Bank, one of Iran’s largest state banks.
Nuclear Facilities Under Fire
Israel’s campaign, which began Friday, targets Iran’s nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders like Ali Shadmani and Gholam Ali Rashid. Strikes on Isfahan—home to nuclear facilities—reportedly caused “direct impacts” on underground enrichment halls at Natanz.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons but has halted talks with the US, declaring it “won’t negotiate under attack.”
Global Reactions
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France’s Macron: Urged Trump to restart diplomacy, warning regime change would bring “chaos.”
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China: Accused Trump of “pouring oil on the fire.”
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Turkey’s Erdogan: Called Israeli PM Netanyahu “the region’s biggest threat.”
Death Toll Rising
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Israel: At least 24 killed, hundreds wounded.
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Iran: Claims 224 dead, including civilians and scientists.
As world powers scramble for a ceasefire, fears grow of a full-scale regional war.
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