Tel Aviv, June 18 — The conflict between Iran and Israel entered a dangerous new phase on Wednesday, after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that the “battle has begun” and confirmed the launch of a hypersonic missile targeting Israeli territory.
The move marks a sharp escalation in hostilities that began last Friday, when Israel launched a wide-scale military offensive intended to degrade Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Since then, the region has seen relentless violence, with airstrikes and retaliatory missile attacks claiming hundreds of lives.
According to reports, Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian soil have killed at least 224 individuals, including senior military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians. In response, Iranian forces have launched multiple missile attacks on Israeli targets, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people, including women and children, Israeli officials said.
On Tuesday, the Israeli military confirmed that it had detected additional missile launches originating from Iran. These developments have raised fears of a broader regional war, drawing urgent international attention.
In a dramatic move, US President Donald Trump cut short his participation at the G7 summit in Canada, citing the crisis in the Middle East. Before departing, Trump voiced strong support for Israel and issued a warning to Iranian civilians, urging residents of Tehran to evacuate in preparation for possible escalation.
The origins of the conflict trace back to Israel’s strategic assault last Friday, aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear facilities and curbing its missile development capabilities. Tehran’s retaliation, involving advanced weaponry including the hypersonic missile, suggests a sharp deterioration in military and diplomatic norms.
Despite continuing backchannel diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington to revive stalled nuclear negotiations, the ground realities suggest a spiral toward prolonged confrontation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to the press, defended Israel’s actions, stating that the airstrikes had inflicted serious setbacks on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “I believe we have set them back a very, very long time,” Netanyahu said.
The international community remains on edge, with global markets jittery and diplomatic channels scrambling to contain further escalation.
