Tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States escalated sharply on Wednesday after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a defiant message declaring, “The battle begins.” His remarks, shared in a series of social media posts, came just hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump issued stark warnings to Tehran, demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Khamenei condemned Israel as a “terrorist Zionist regime” and called for a forceful response, stating, “We will show the Zionists no mercy.” His posts appeared to frame Iran’s latest attacks as part of a broader ideological and historical struggle, including a symbolic reference to the Battle of Khaybar—evoked by a post in Farsi featuring a sword-wielding figure approaching a fortress gate.
Shortly after Khamenei’s declaration, Iran launched two successive waves of ballistic missile attacks targeting Israel. The first barrage, consisting of approximately 15 missiles, was fired around 12:40 a.m., setting off air raid sirens across the country. A second wave of about 10 missiles followed roughly 40 minutes later, prompting alerts in central Israel and parts of the West Bank. While no fatalities were reported, a fire broke out in a parking lot in central Israel, damaging multiple vehicles. Authorities also sounded alarms near the Dead Sea due to suspected drone activity.
On his platform Truth Social, Donald Trump responded aggressively, claiming that U.S. forces had full control over Iranian airspace and suggesting Ayatollah Khamenei was within targeting range. “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there—we are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump wrote. He warned against further attacks on civilians or American soldiers, stating that U.S. patience was “wearing thin.” His follow-up post reiterated a demand for Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
In parallel, Israel has intensified its military operations inside Iranian territory. Early Wednesday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ordered residents in Tehran’s District 18 to evacuate, citing imminent strikes on strategic infrastructure. Israeli airstrikes soon followed, reportedly targeting multiple locations in Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj, a site previously associated with Iran’s nuclear centrifuge operations.
Israel began its offensive six days earlier, describing it as a preemptive campaign to dismantle what it sees as an existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. According to Israeli officials, the operation aims to neutralize top Iranian military leaders, nuclear scientists, missile launch facilities, and uranium enrichment centers.
The conflict has resulted in mounting casualties on both sides. Iranian authorities report at least 224 deaths due to Israeli strikes, while Israel says it has been targeted with over 370 missiles and hundreds of drones since hostilities began. The Israeli government reports 24 fatalities and more than 500 injuries among its population.
As the situation grows increasingly volatile, speculation continues over whether the U.S. will escalate its involvement beyond verbal warnings. International observers fear that a broader regional war could be on the horizon if diplomacy fails to intervene.
