The ongoing air war between Israel and Iran intensified today, marking its sixth day, as President Donald Trump called for Iran's "unconditional surrender" and warned that U.S. patience was rapidly diminishing. Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump stated there was "no intention to kill Iran's leader 'for now'," a comment delivered via social media that highlighted his often cryptic messaging regarding the crisis.
Early Wednesday morning, explosions rocked Tel Aviv after approximately 10 ballistic missiles were launched from Iran towards Israel, according to an Israeli military official, who confirmed that most were intercepted. Concurrently, Iranian news websites reported explosions in Tehran and the city of Karaj, west of the capital.
President Trump's latest remarks, posted on Truth Social, suggested a more aggressive posture from the U.S. as he weighs deeper involvement in the conflict. "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding," Trump wrote. "We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now...Our patience is wearing thin." Three minutes later, he followed with a stark, "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!"
A White House official confirmed that President Trump had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone on Tuesday.
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Escalating Tensions and U.S. Response
Trump's frequently contradictory public statements – oscillating between military threats and diplomatic overtures – have added layers of uncertainty to the volatile crisis. Earlier in the week, he mentioned potentially sending U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet Iranian officials, adding that his early departure from the Group of Seven nations summit was due to "something much bigger" expected. However, Britain's leader Keir Starmer indicated no sign of imminent U.S. entry into the conflict.
The U.S. is reportedly deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East and extending the deployment of existing warplanes, as confirmed by three U.S. officials to Reuters. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described these as defensive measures. To date, the U.S. has primarily taken defensive actions, including assisting in intercepting missiles aimed at Israel.
Iran's Regional Influence Wanes Amid Strikes
The conflict has severely impacted Iran's leadership, with five sources familiar with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's decision-making process stating that his main military and security advisers have been killed by Israeli strikes, leading to a hollowing out of his inner circle and raising the risk of strategic errors. An Israeli military official confirmed on Tuesday the killing of Iran's wartime chief of staff Ali Shadmani, just four days after he replaced another top commander.
In response to what Iranian leaders are calling their most dangerous security breach since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran's cybersecurity command has reportedly banned officials from using personal communications devices and mobile phones, according to Fars news agency. Iranian media also reported that Israel has launched a "massive cyber war" against Iran's digital infrastructure.
Khamenei's regional influence has notably waned since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the Gaza war. Israel has consistently targeted Iran's proxies, from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and various militias in Iraq. Additionally, Syria's autocratic president Bashar al-Assad, a close Iranian ally, has been ousted.
Nuclear Facilities Targeted, Global Markets on Alert
Israel initiated its largest-ever air war on Iran last Friday, citing conclusions that the Islamic Republic was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon. Iran denies these allegations, asserting its right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Israel, not an NPT party, is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, a stance it neither confirms nor denies.
Netanyahu has reiterated his resolve to continue the campaign until Iran's nuclear development capabilities are disabled, while Trump suggested the assault could cease if Iran agrees to strict enrichment curbs.
The 35-nation board of governors of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), had declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in nearly 20 years before Israel's attack began. The IAEA reported on Tuesday that an Israeli strike directly hit underground enrichment halls at Iran's Natanz facility.
Further escalating tensions, the Iranian news website Eghtesadonline reported the arrest of a foreigner filming "sensitive" areas at the Bushehr nuclear power plant for Israel's spy agency Mossad. Iranian state media also reported the arrest of a "terrorist team" linked to Israel with explosives in a town southwest of Tehran.
Global oil markets remain on high alert following strikes on critical sites, including the world's biggest gas field, South Pars, shared by Iran and Qatar.
Israeli officials claim that Iran has so far fired nearly 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones towards Israel, with approximately 35 missiles penetrating Israel's defensive shield. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed hits on Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate and Mossad's operational center early Tuesday, though Israel has not confirmed these. Casualty reports indicate 224 deaths in Iran, mostly civilians, while Israel reports 24 civilian deaths. Both nations have seen residents evacuated or fleeing affected areas.
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