Iran announced on Wednesday that it had launched hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles at Israel, escalating the conflict just hours after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to show “no mercy” to the Zionist regime. The move came in direct response to Israel’s devastating airstrikes last Friday, which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, military installations, and civilian homes—killing hundreds, including senior commanders and nuclear scientists.
The Israeli military said the strikes were part of a broader operation named Rising Lion, aimed at deterring Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons. Tehran has consistently denied those claims, maintaining that its uranium enrichment program is purely for civilian use.
Key Developments So Far:
- A U.S.-based human rights group says the death toll from Israeli strikes in Iran has climbed to nearly 600.
- Iran warned of a strong retaliation if the United States becomes directly involved in the conflict.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed it used hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles in the latest barrage.
- Israel responded with strikes on two key centrifuge production sites in Tehran and Karaj.
- U.S. President Donald Trump convened his National Security Council to discuss possible military responses, including the use of “bunker-buster” bombs against Iran’s deeply fortified nuclear facilities.
- Foreign evacuations from Iran continue, while some displaced Israelis are beginning to return.
Ayatollah Khamenei, in a defiant post on X (formerly Twitter), said:
“We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.”
His statement followed Trump’s hardline declaration demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” signaling that Washington’s patience may be nearing its end. Despite mounting tensions, U.S. officials said no final decision has been made on direct American military involvement.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Ali Bahreini, said his country had conveyed to Washington that it will respond firmly to the United States if it becomes directly involved in Israel’s military campaign.
Bahreini told reporters that he saw the US as “complicit in what Israel is doing”. Iran would set a red line, and respond if the US crosses it, he said, without specifying what actions would provoke a response.
“We will not show any reluctance in defending our people, security and land — we will respond seriously and strongly, without restraint,” Bahreini told reporters.
The Iranian envoy called Trump’s remarks “completely unwarranted and very hostile”. “We cannot ignore them. We are vigilant about what Trump is saying. We will put it in our calculations and assessments.”
“I am confident that [Iran’s military] will react strongly, proportionally and appropriately. We are closely following the level of involvement in the US […] We will react whenever it is needed,” he asserted.
