The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel intensified on Wednesday (18 June), marking the sixth consecutive day of missile exchanges. Iran launched two missile attacks on Israel early in the morning, causing explosions in Tel Aviv. In retaliation, Israel targeted military bases in and around Tehran, prompting evacuation orders for civilians. Explosions were also reported in Tehran and Karaj, west of the capital.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump made aggressive statements regarding the crisis, demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender” on social media. He claimed to know the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader but added that the U.S. would not target him “at least not right now.” Trump’s mixed messages—swinging between threats and vague diplomacy—have created uncertainty over America’s actual stance in the conflict.
The White House confirmed that Trump had a 90-minute security meeting with the National Security Council and also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. has responded by increasing the deployment of fighter jets and taking defensive measures to support Israel, including intercepting Iranian missile attacks. Officially, the U.S. maintains a defensive posture, avoiding direct engagement beyond supporting Israeli defenses.
In a parallel front, Israel reportedly carried out a massive cyberattack targeting Iran’s digital infrastructure. Iranian media confirmed that high-ranking military and security advisers close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei were killed in Israeli strikes. In response, Iran’s cyber command has restricted officials from using mobile devices, reflecting growing internal tension and vulnerability. The digital assault has disrupted Iran’s decision-making processes and increased the risk of miscalculations in the escalating conflict.
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Explosions rock Tel Aviv and Tehran as Trump demands unconditional surrender from Iran
