Tensions between Iran and Israel surged dangerously on Wednesday as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a Fattah-1 hypersonic missile toward Tel Aviv, marking its first reported use in the ongoing war. The strike occurred in the early hours of the sixth day of open hostilities between the two regional powers. Israeli authorities confirmed multiple explosions over Tel Aviv, while retaliatory airstrikes hit military sites near Tehran and Karaj.
The Fattah-1, first unveiled in 2023 and dubbed the “Israel-striker” by Iranian officials, is said to reach Tel Aviv in under 400 seconds. Though it had been previously launched during the October 2024 attacks, this is the first confirmed usage in the current conflict. Following the strike, evacuations were reported in Tehran’s District 18, signaling anticipation of further Israeli retaliation.
US President Donald Trump reacted strongly to the escalation, issuing a direct warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Through a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and claimed the US knows Khamenei’s location, though he stated, “We are not going to take him out at least not for now.” The president also confirmed additional US fighter jets have been sent to the Middle East, and a 90-minute emergency National Security Council meeting was held on Tuesday to evaluate next steps.
Iran’s leadership responded with defiance. Khamenei, in his first public remarks since Trump’s threats, declared “The battle begins,” referencing a historic Islamic victory at Khaybar. “We will show the Zionists no mercy,” he added in a statement translated by Iran International.
Meanwhile, explosions were heard in both Tel Aviv and Tehran, with fears growing of a full-scale regional war. crown prince Reza Pahlavi, speaking from exile, claimed that Khamenei had gone into hiding and urged for regime change, suggesting the Islamic Republic was collapsing under pressure. “Like a frightened rat, he has lost control of the situation,” Pahlavi said. With both nations exchanging missile fire and the US now visibly more involved, the situation remains volatile. Calls for de-escalation continue from international actors, but on the ground, the conflict shows no signs of slowing.
