Amidst the fierce Iran-Israel conflict, a storm has erupted as Iran bombards Israel's capital, Tel Aviv, with hypersonic missiles. The Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed Wednesday that the latest strike on Israel involved such missiles. On the sixth day of the conflict, the Israeli Air Force stated it targeted multiple sites in Tehran again.
Significantly, 585 Iranians have died, while 1326 are injured due to Israeli attacks. In comparison, Iranian assaults have resulted in 24 Israeli fatalities.
The fresh wave of attacks between these arch-enemies unfolded as US President Donald Trump consistently issued statements regarding the ongoing war, demanding Iran’s unconditional surrender. He boldly proclaimed on Truth Social, in large capitals: UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.
In a sharp rebuke to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Trump stated, "We are fully aware of the so-called supreme leader's exact whereabouts. While he is an easy target, and safe for now, we're not taking action yet. But civilian-targeted missile strikes and threats to US forces will not be tolerated. Our patience wears thin."
According to verified BBC flight tracking data, at least 30 US military aircraft have been dispatched to Europe from significant American bases over the past three days. These are primarily tanker planes used to refuel fighter jets and bombers.
Undeterred by Trump's threats, Ali Khamenei addressed America and Israel on X with unwavering resolve, signaling readiness to persist in the struggle despite losing key generals and scientists.
In this discourse, Khamenei tweeted: "The battle begins." Furthermore, he stated, "We must fiercely respond to the terrorist Zionist regime, showing no mercy toward Jews."
While Khamenei's tweets unfolded, the Iranian military launched missiles targeting Israel.
The Revolutionary Guard declared on national TV that a destructive operation named True Promise - 3, utilizing Fateh-1 hypersonic missiles, targeted Israel, securing complete air control over occupied territories.
Source: aajtak
Hypersonic missiles, known for traveling over five times the sound speed (Mach 5 or higher), exhibit remarkable precision and agility, making them elusive for radar and defensive systems.
Iran has broadened its assault on other Israeli targets.
Israel reported that within less than an hour, at least 30 missiles from Iran struck various regions, including Tel Aviv.
As per the Israeli Fire and Rescue Services, missile-induced fires erupted across coastal, southern, and central regions, open areas in particular. Alarmingly, prior sounds of sirens resonated throughout central and northern Israel.
The Times of Israel noted that Iran commenced bombing efforts at 12:40 AM (local time), following widespread siren alerts across significant areas. The initial strike involved approximately 15 projectiles, succeeded by another wave of nearly ten rockets which triggered alerts in central Israeli communities and West Bank colonies.
Minutes ahead of the strikes, the Israeli Defense Forces issued warnings about missile fires, advising residents to seek shelter.
Israel Continues Counterattacks
Simultaneously, Israel relentlessly executes counterstrikes on Tehran. On Wednesday, the IDF alerted residents of Tehran's District 18 to vacate, targeting military infrastructure in planned actions.
Soon after, Israeli Air Force initiated another assault wave on Iran's capital by the military.
While Tehran sustained attacks, Iranian news outlets reported explosions near the city's missile production center and in Karaj, where Israel previously targeted a centrifuge plant.
The Tehran Times cited internet data indicating widespread connectivity issues across Tehran.
Iran Prepares for Potential US Strike
Meanwhile, US officials expressed concerns over Iran potentially targeting American bases in West Asia.
About 30 fighter jets have been dispatched to Europe to assist US base-defense or partake in bombing missions targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
Such movements occur amidst reports suggesting US entry into the war, supported by additional deployments like the USS Nimitz from the South China Sea to the Middle East. The Nimitz carrier, equipped with fighter fleets, is under guided missile destroyer protection.
Cognizant of escalating tensions, US commanders placed bases in UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia on high alert, with 40,000+ troops stationed in the Middle East.
The New York Times reported Iran's missile preparedness for US base strikes if America joins the war. Iranian officials also anticipated mine deployment in the Strait of Hormuz under such scenarios.
As per intelligence reviews, Iran has readied missiles and equipment for retaliatory strikes on American bases in case the US engages against Iran in Israel’s war.
