As the Israel-Iran conflict entered its sixth day, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning on Wednesday, vowing severe retaliation against Israel for its continued airstrikes.
“We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy,” Khamenei wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in English, signaling Tehran’s readiness to escalate military operations.
Iran’s armed forces chief also warned of imminent “punitive operations” targeting Israel, claiming previous attacks were merely deterrent warnings. “Punitive operations will be forthcoming,” the Iranian state-run IRNA News Agency reported, quoting the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an urgent public warning to residents of Tehran’s District 18, urging immediate evacuation ahead of a planned strike on Iranian military infrastructure. “For your safety and well-being, we urge you to evacuate immediately from the marked area,” the IDF said in a statement.
The IDF confirmed a new wave of missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday, while Iranian air defense systems were seen intercepting projectiles above Tehran. Videos shared by Mehr News Agency showed the sky lit up with flashes and loud explosions heard across the capital city.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to hit key military and nuclear targets in Tehran. IDF forces also struck ballistic missile launch sites in Isfahan as part of its offensive operations.
Simultaneously, Iran’s Cyber Security Command accused Israel of launching a “widespread cyber war” targeting Iran’s digital infrastructure. Explosions were also reported over Tel Aviv, with the IDF intercepting incoming Iranian missiles.
On the humanitarian front, at least 2,725 Israelis have been evacuated since the start of hostilities, with 24 confirmed dead and 647 injured. Iran has reported 224 fatalities since the conflict began on Friday.
In Washington, US President Donald Trump weighed in heavily, 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 hinted that the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader were known but not targeted—”at least not for now.”
“We don’t want missiles fired at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin,” Trump warned, reiterating that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
The situation remains highly volatile as both sides continue military operations, cyber offensives, and public warnings. Observers fear the conflict could escalate further, with global powers closely monitoring the developments.