On Wednesday, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared that the nation would not capitulate to President Donald Trump’s demands. He further cautioned the United States about the potential for “irreparable damage” should it choose to intervene in support of its ally.
Six days into the conflict, Trump delivered a speech in which he called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” He also claimed that the United States could eliminate Khamenei, raising concerns about a potential intervention.
On Friday, a significant bombing campaign was initiated by Israel, leading to a swift response from Iran involving missiles and drones.
Khamenei declared in a televised speech, “This nation will never surrender,” while denouncing Trump’s ultimatum as “unacceptable.”
“He stated that any military intervention will undoubtedly lead to irreparable damage, a message that America should heed.”
Khamenei, who has held power since 1989 and serves as the ultimate authority on state affairs in Iran, previously declared that the nation would demonstrate “no mercy” towards the leaders of Israel.
The speech came on the heels of a night marked by strikes, during which Israeli forces reportedly targeted and destroyed two buildings associated with the production of centrifuge components for Iran’s nuclear program, as stated by the UN atomic watchdog.
The Israeli military reported that over 50 fighter jets from the Israeli Air Force conducted a series of air strikes in the Tehran area in recent hours, targeting several weapons manufacturing facilities.
“In a significant move aimed at undermining Iran’s nuclear weapons development program, a centrifuge production facility located in Tehran has been targeted.”
Centrifuges play a crucial role in uranium enrichment, a delicate process capable of generating fuel for nuclear reactors or, in more advanced applications, the core of a nuclear warhead.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that two buildings involved in the production of centrifuge components for Iran’s nuclear program were destroyed in strikes in Karaj, a satellite city of Tehran.
A recent strike in Tehran targeted a facility where advanced centrifuge rotors were both manufactured and tested, according to a statement from the agency on X.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced the launch of hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles targeting Tel Aviv.
Hypersonic missiles, which exceed five times the speed of sound, can maneuver during flight. This unique feature significantly complicates efforts to track and intercept them.
Overnight, Tel Aviv was not hit by any missiles, although images from AFP captured Israel’s air defense systems in action, intercepting missiles above the bustling commercial center.
Iran has reportedly dispatched a “swarm of drones” aimed at Israel, with the Israeli military confirming the interception of 10 drones that were launched from Iranian territory.
A report indicated that one of its drones was shot down in Iranian airspace.
Trump sparked speculation regarding potential US intervention following his abrupt departure from the G7 summit in Canada. During the meeting, leaders from the group of affluent democracies advocated for de-escalation while simultaneously affirming Israel’s “right to defend itself.”
He claimed that the United States could assassinate Khamenei with ease.
“We have precise information regarding the location of the individual referred to as the ‘Supreme Leader.'” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform, “He is an easy target, but is safe there — We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”
Trump convened with his National Security Council to deliberate on the ongoing conflict. Following the hour and 20-minute meeting, no public statement was issued.
US officials emphasized that Trump has not concluded any potential intervention.
Evacuations are currently underway.
Israel has conducted strikes targeting nuclear and military installations across Iran, in addition to impacting residential neighborhoods.
Residential areas in Israel have faced attacks, prompting foreign governments to urgently work on evacuating their citizens from both nations.
Residents of Tel Aviv faced yet another night of turmoil as air raid warnings echoed through the coastal city. Sirens signaling the threat of incoming Iranian missiles sent many rushing to shelters in a desperate bid for safety.
In the West Bank city of Ramallah, situated at an elevation of 800 meters (2,600 feet) and overlooking Tel Aviv, residents congregated on rooftops and balconies to observe the scene.
According to an AFP journalist, the atmosphere was charged with cheers and whistles as a barrage of missiles soared overhead. Israeli air defenses sprang into action, intercepting the projectiles and resulting in mid-air explosions that illuminated the night sky.
As of Friday, reports indicate that at least 24 individuals have lost their lives in Israel, with hundreds more sustaining injuries, as confirmed by the office of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
On Sunday, Iran reported that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 224 individuals, a toll that includes military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. No updated toll has been issued since that time.
On Tuesday in Tehran, long lines formed outside bakeries and petrol stations as residents hurried to gather fuel and essential goods.
On Wednesday, Iran’s ISNA and Tasnim news agencies reported the detention of five individuals suspected of being agents for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. They are facing charges related to efforts aimed at damaging the country’s image online.
Nuclear installations
In the wake of an extended covert conflict, Israel announced that its unexpected airstrike initiative was designed to thwart Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, a goal that Tehran has consistently refuted.
The UN nuclear watchdog reported indications of “direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls” at Iran’s Natanz facility.
Israel continues to uphold a policy of ambiguity concerning its nuclear capabilities. However, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimates that the country possesses approximately 90 nuclear warheads.
The ongoing conflict has disrupted a series of nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Following the commencement of Israel’s military campaign, Iran declared that it would refuse to engage in talks with the United States while facing aggression.
