The sixth day of conflict between Israel and Iran saw continued missile exchanges, intensifying rhetoric from both sides, and signs of a shifting stance in Washington, where President Donald Trump is said to be weighing military options.
At dawn Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning via social media, declaring, “The battle begins.” Hours earlier, President Trump labeled Khamenei an “easy target” and demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” adding that the United States’ “patience is wearing thin.”
U.S. considers military action
Quoting two two U.S. officials, CNN reported that President Trump is growing more receptive to launching strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, signaling a more hawkish position than in earlier stages of the crisis. While administration sources said diplomacy remains a possibility, Trump is increasingly skeptical that talks can yield results without significant Iranian concessions.
The President met with his national security team in the White House Situation Room on Tuesday, as the Pentagon deployed more than 30 aerial refueling tankers to the region—moves interpreted as contingency planning for potential U.S. air operations.
Strikes in Tehran and Tel Aviv
The Israeli military announced that more than 50 fighter jets had carried out overnight strikes on Iranian missile and centrifuge production facilities, with targets including ballistic missile manufacturing sites and a centrifuge plant in Tehran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes were based on “precise intelligence guidance” and aimed at setting back Iran’s “nuclear weapons development program.”
In Iran, air defenses intercepted projectiles over Tehran, and authorities issued evacuation warnings in parts of the capital. Explosions were also reported in Isfahan. Iran responded with a volley of Fattah missiles, described by state media as “hypersonic,” though experts note that most ballistic missiles reach hypersonic speeds in flight.
In Israel, incoming missiles triggered air raid sirens and explosions were heard over Tel Aviv. The Israeli military said more than 2,700 civilians have been evacuated since the start of the conflict.
Regional and cyber spillover
Iran’s Cyber Security Command accused Israel of launching a “widespread cyber war” against Iranian digital infrastructure. No specific systems were named, but Tehran has previously accused Israel of targeting energy and communications networks.
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter credited U.S.-supplied missile defense systems, including THAAD batteries, with saving “hundreds, perhaps thousands” of Israeli lives since the outbreak of hostilities.
Tensions also surfaced around intelligence assessments. While President Trump claimed on Tuesday that Iran was “very close” to developing a nuclear weapon, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reiterated that the U.S. intelligence community continues to assess that Iran has not resumed its nuclear weapons program, which was suspended in 2003. Gabbard testified to that effect as recently as March.
Diplomatic responses
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed “deep concern” over the conflict, marking his first public remarks since hostilities began. Xi, whose government maintains close economic and diplomatic ties with Tehran, said China opposes “any acts that infringe on the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity” of nations in the region.
Oil markets responded sharply to the escalating conflict, with crude prices climbing to their highest levels in nearly five months. Analysts warned of possible supply disruptions should the conflict broaden or affect shipping lanes in the Gulf.
The U.S. embassy in Israel announced a temporary closure from Wednesday through Friday and directed staff and their families to shelter in place amid ongoing security threats.
