Iran's Supreme Leader Issues Stark Warning to Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict
Escalating Tensions Between Iran and Israel
On Wednesday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning to Israel, asserting that Tehran would respond decisively to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. This statement comes as hostilities between the two nations enter their sixth day. Khamenei emphasized the need for a strong retaliation against what he termed the 'terrorist Zionist regime,' declaring that there would be no mercy shown to the Zionists.
In a related development, the chief of Iran's armed forces indicated that 'punitive operations' against Israel are imminent. The Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces stated that previous operations served as a deterrent, and further actions would follow, as reported by a local news agency.
We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 17, 2025
We will show the Zionists no mercy.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an urgent alert for residents to evacuate District 18 in Tehran, warning that military operations would continue in the area. The IDF's statement highlighted that they would target military infrastructure associated with the Iranian regime.
Reports indicate that the IDF detected additional missile launches from Iran early Wednesday, following recent projectile impacts in various districts of Israel. The IDF has advised the public to seek shelter until further notice.
Iran's air defense systems reportedly intercepted projectiles over Tehran, with local media showcasing videos of explosions lighting up the night sky. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed plans to strike significant targets in Tehran, while the IDF also targeted ballistic missile sites in Isfahan.
In addition, Iran's Cyber Security Command accused Israel of initiating a 'widespread cyber war' against its digital infrastructure. The IDF reported a new wave of missiles fired from Iran, with explosions heard over Tel Aviv. Since the conflict's onset, over 2,725 individuals in Israel have been evacuated from their residences.
As of Tuesday, the death toll in Israel stands at 24, with more than 647 individuals injured. In Iran, at least 224 fatalities have been reported since the conflict began on Friday. Amid these escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump called for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' in a series of posts on social media, asserting that the U.S. maintains 'complete and total control of the skies over Iran.'
Trump's comments included warnings about the Iranian leadership, stating that they are easy targets but that the U.S. would refrain from taking lethal action for the time being. He expressed frustration over missile attacks on civilians and American forces, indicating that patience is running thin.
As the conflict continues, both sides remain engaged in mutual attacks, with Iran advising residents in Tel Aviv and Haifa to evacuate while reports of explosions persist in Tehran. Israel's airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites have prompted retaliatory measures from Tehran, with Trump reiterating his support for Israel and opposing Iran's nuclear ambitions.