Iran claimed early Wednesday to have launched hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles at Israel, intensifying a rapidly escalating conflict that began six days ago. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the missiles “repeatedly shook shelters” in Tel Aviv as part of “Operation Honest Promise 3,” retaliating against Israeli airstrikes that reportedly hit multiple locations in Tehran, including the Piroozi, Sabalan, and Sayyad districts.
Israeli warplanes targeted the Iranian capital following a social media evacuation warning for residents in District 18. Iran responded not only with missile fire but also by launching a “swarm of drones” towards Israel, two of which were intercepted near the Dead Sea.
The conflict, which began with Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites last Friday, has drawn international concern. Israeli officials claim their campaign is aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions allegations Tehran strongly denies. Explosions near Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility have reportedly caused damage to its underground enrichment halls, according to the UN’s nuclear watchdog.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has inflamed tensions further by demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warning Tehran of possible consequences. Speaking from Washington after abruptly leaving the G7 summit in Canada, Trump claimed the U.S. could easily target Iran’s Supreme Leader but said no such action would be taken “for now.” Despite pledging to avoid Middle Eastern wars, Trump has deployed the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and military aircraft to the region.
The conflict has already claimed hundreds of lives, with Iran reporting at least 224 deaths—including military leaders and scientists while Israel has confirmed 24 fatalities and hundreds injured. Civilians in both nations are fleeing or sheltering underground, as foreign governments rush to evacuate their citizens.
As diplomacy falters amid closed embassies and halted nuclear negotiations—the world watches anxiously. Egypt, France, and China have called for de-escalation, warning that further aggression could spiral into a broader regional war. The window for a peaceful resolution is narrowing.
