Tehran/Washington/Jerusalem, June 16: Tensions in the Middle East spiraled further as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared open confrontation with Israel, warning of a harsh and unrelenting response. In a series of posts on X, Khamenei wrote, “In the name of God, the battle begins,” and vowed, “We will show the Zionists no mercy.”
The statement followed Iran’s latest offensive in what the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) called the 11th wave of “Operation Honest Promise 3.” The IRGC confirmed the use of Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles in the attack, claiming Iran had gained “complete control over the skies of the occupied territories.” A swarm of Iranian drones was also reportedly intercepted over the Dead Sea, according to the Israeli military.
In response, Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes deep inside Tehran early Wednesday, targeting multiple neighborhoods including Piroozi, Sabalan, and Sayyad, after warning civilians in District 18 to evacuate.
Amid the intensifying conflict, the United States remains on edge. President Donald Trump reiterated that Washington had no role in Israel’s bombing campaign but warned Iran of consequences. “The United States knows where Iran’s Supreme Leader is hiding. We won’t kill him—for now,” Trump stated, hinting at potential escalation. He also demanded “unconditional surrender” from Tehran.
Trump convened the National Security Council on Tuesday to evaluate U.S. options, with discussions reportedly focused on whether to join Israel’s ongoing air campaign. Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem announced a temporary closure until Friday due to the security situation.
The geopolitical unrest has rattled financial markets. Oil prices surged, while Wall Street closed lower Tuesday amid fears of a broader regional conflict. The Dow fell 0.7%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.8%, and the Nasdaq slid 0.9%, reflecting growing investor anxiety.
As Israel and Iran continue to exchange deadly blows, global powers are bracing for further escalation in a conflict already pushing the region to the brink.
