The war between Israel and Iran, which began on June 13 with Israel’s “Rising Lion” operation and Iran’s retaliatory strike dubbed “True Promise,” has entered its sixth day, with mutual airstrikes intensifying overnight.
Israeli warplanes launched heavy strikes on Tehran throughout the night, while Iran targeted Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa using drones, as well as hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
According to Israeli military sources, some of Iran’s missiles penetrated the “Iron Dome” air defense system, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people in Israel.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later claimed its “Fattah” missiles had achieved full control over Israeli airspace.
On the other side, Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 224 people in Iran, including high-ranking military officials such as Chief of General Staff Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami.
Israeli media reported that air raids hit oil refineries in Tehran, while Iranian authorities confirmed continued retaliation.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed continued resistance, declaring on social media: “We will never negotiate with the terrorist Zionist regime. The Zionists must be fought decisively.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a sharply worded statement, warned Khamenei directly, saying, “We know where he is hiding. He is an easy target, but we won’t eliminate him — at least not yet. Our patience is running thin.”
Trump called on Iran to “surrender unconditionally” and confirmed he had spoken by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The U.S. State Department announced the closure of its embassy in Jerusalem until Friday due to security concerns.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has increased its military presence in the region, dispatching additional Royal Air Force jets to the Middle East. BRT
