The dramatic escalation followed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” In a defiant response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared, “The battle begins,” pledging to show “no mercy” to Israel.
Earlier that day, Israeli fighter jets carried out airstrikes in several neighborhoods of Tehran, including Piroozi, Sabalan, and Sayyad. According to Israeli military sources, the strikes targeted a nuclear centrifuge facility, weapons depots, and a university reportedly linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Khojir missile complex near Tehran was also said to be hit.
In retaliation, Iran issued warnings to residents of Tel Aviv, urging them to prepare for incoming strikes. The IRGC claimed responsibility for launching Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles as part of “Operation Honest Promise 3,” asserting that the missiles “shook shelters” within the city. These types of weapons, capable of exceeding Mach 5, are known for their speed and difficulty to intercept.
Iran also deployed a swarm of drones toward Israel, though Israeli defense forces reported intercepting two over the Dead Sea. As the confrontation entered its sixth day, Trump reiterated that the United States was not behind Israel’s airstrikes but cautioned Iran that his patience was “running out.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict are underway. Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, called on both the United States and Iran on June 17 to pursue peaceful dialogue and prevent further escalation.
