Tensions Escalate: Iran Launches Hypersonic Missile, Israel Continues Bombardments

The entire world is watching with bated breath as dramatic developments unfold in the Middle East. For the sixth consecutive day, both sides continue to unleash attacks. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump directly threatens Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, demanding unconditional surrender from Tehran. The key question remains: Will Trump ultimately press the button of involvement? Simultaneously, conflicts escalate on the battlefield as Iran fires its ‘Fattah-1’ hypersonic missiles on Wednesday (May 18, 2025), according to the semi-official state news agency Mehr and Press TV. These media outlets attribute responsibility to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC described the latest phase of the operation as a ‘turning point,’ stating that the development of first-generation Fattah missiles marked ‘the beginning of the end’ for Israel’s ‘mythical’ anti-missile defense systems, reported Press TV. During Iran’s attack on Israel on October 1, 2024, dozens of Fattah-1 missiles were also launched against Israel. This appears to be the first use of the Fattah missile in this war. Introduced in 2023 and named by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Fattah missile has been labeled an ‘offensive weapon against Israel.’ A large banner was placed in Tehran, the capital of Iran, with a message written in Hebrew: ‘400 seconds for Tel Aviv.’ Despite IRGC claims that the Fattah is a hypersonic missile, military experts remain skeptical about its actual capabilities. Earlier reports suggest Israeli strikes may have targeted the Khojir Aerospace Complex near Tehran, one of Iran’s largest sites. Threats from Trump and Khamenei’s response preceded these attacks. In a new post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the U.S. knows exactly where Iran’s Supreme Leader is hiding but will not eliminate him—yet. He warned that patience is running out regarding missile attacks on civilians or American soldiers. Trump later called for Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender.’ Shortly after, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded clearly to Trump, warning that the battle has begun. ‘In the name of the noble Haidar, the battle begins,’ he wrote. Khamenei also posted on his English X account: ‘We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.’ The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem will remain closed until Friday due to security concerns amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. At least 585 people have died in Israeli attacks on Iran, while 1,326 have been injured, according to a Washington-based human rights group.