As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies into its sixth day, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning to Israel, vowing a harsh response to ongoing Israeli attacks. “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy,” Khamenei wrote in English on X.
The declaration came amid heavy aerial bombardments exchanged between the two nations overnight. Iran’s armed forces chief also warned of impending “punitive operations” against Israel, suggesting a significant escalation in Tehran’s military response. “The operations carried out so far have been a warning for deterrence,” the Iranian military stated via IRNA, “and punitive operations will be forthcoming.”
In a dramatic development, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an urgent evacuation order for civilians in District 18 of Tehran, signaling an imminent strike. “In the coming hours, the IDF will operate in the area to strike military infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime,” the statement said. The IDF also reported new missile launches from Iran and instructed Israelis to seek shelter, particularly in central and coastal districts.
Iran’s air defense systems responded to incoming projectiles, with the semi-official Mehr News Agency sharing footage of explosions lighting up the Tehran sky. Meanwhile, the IDF confirmed that its forces are targeting ballistic missile sites in Isfahan and planning further strikes on “key targets” in the Iranian capital.
Adding to the multidimensional nature of the conflict, Iran’s Cyber Security Command accused Israel of launching a widespread cyber offensive on the country’s digital infrastructure. In retaliation, Tel Aviv reported incoming missile barrages over its airspace, with explosions echoing across the city.
The humanitarian toll continues to rise. As of Tuesday, Israeli officials report 24 fatalities and over 647 injuries, with more than 2,700 citizens evacuated. Iranian sources report at least 224 people killed since the conflict erupted last Friday.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump weighed in on the crisis, demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump claimed the US has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” and asserted, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding.” Although he said the US is not targeting Khamenei “for now,” he warned that American patience is wearing thin.
Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for Israel and reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. “Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA,” he wrote, praising American-made defense systems and signaling the potential for deeper US involvement.
With both nations trading increasingly severe blows, and global powers closely monitoring the rapidly deteriorating situation, fears are mounting over the prospect of a broader regional war.
