Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Wednesday as fresh explosions rocked eastern Tehran amid ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel. At around 3:50 PM local time, multiple blasts were reported in the east and southeast of the Iranian capital, with at least five smoke columns seen rising into the sky, according to reports.
🔴 The IAF is currently striking military targets belonging to the Iranian Regime in Tehran.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 18, 2025
The Israeli military confirmed it had launched airstrikes on what it described as “military targets” in Tehran. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated, “The IAF is currently striking military targets belonging to the Iranian Regime in Tehran.”
סופת הטורנדו ממשיכה להכות בטהרן.
מטוסי חיל האוויר השמידו עכשיו את מפקדת ביטחון הפנים של המשטר האיראני – זרוע הדיכוי המרכזית של הדיקטטור האיראני.
כפי שהבטחנו – נמשיך לפגוע בסמלי שלטון ונכה במשטר האייתולות בכל מקום.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) June 18, 2025
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that one of the key targets was Iran’s internal security headquarters, signaling a deliberate strike on sensitive command infrastructure.
The strikes come on the sixth day of a rapidly escalating conflict that has already claimed hundreds of lives across both nations. Iran and Israel have been engaged in tit-for-tat attacks since the launch of Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure last week.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared on state television for the first time since June 13. In a strongly worded address, he warned the United States against any form of military intervention. “Any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,” Khamenei said.
His comments were a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” Khamenei dismissed the demand, stating that those familiar with Iran’s history and resilience “will never speak to this nation in threatening language.” He added, “The Iranian nation will not surrender.”
