‘The battle begins’: Khamenei vows to show no mercy after Trump's threats; Iran launches ballistic missiles at Israel

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said “the battle begins” following escalating threats from US President Donald Trump, who called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and suggested possible military action. In a series of posts on his platform Truth Social, Trump claimed the United States had full control of Iranian airspace and warned that the country’s top leader was within reach. “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump wrote. “But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers.

Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” He later followed up with a post stating, “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” Moments later, Khamenei posted on X: “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.” The statement came shortly after Iran launched two rounds of ballistic missiles at Israel early Wednesday.

The first barrage, which began around 12.40 am, triggered sirens across much of Israel and included around 15 projectiles.

A second wave of about 10 rockets followed roughly 40 minutes later, prompting alerts in central parts of the country and the West Bank. Although there were no reported casualties, a fire broke out in a central Israeli parking lot, damaging several cars. Warning sirens were also activated around the Dead Sea due to what officials described as a suspected drone infiltration. Khamenei’s online posts appeared to frame the attacks as part of a broader ideological struggle.

In Farsi, he posted “the battle begins”, alongside an image of a man with a sword entering a castle gate, alluding to the historic battle of Khaybar, reports the Times of Israel. The 7th-century conflict, which saw Muslim forces defeat Jewish tribes, carries deep symbolic meaning in the region.

Meanwhile, Israel continued its offensive inside Iranian territory. Early Wednesday morning, the Israel defense forces (IDF) called for residents of Tehran’s District 18 to evacuate, citing upcoming military action targeting strategic infrastructure.

Soon after, Israeli forces confirmed a new wave of airstrikes in Tehran. Reports also emerged of explosions in the city of Karaj, previously the site of a nuclear centrifuge facility targeted by Israeli strikes. Israel launched its military campaign six days ago, calling the assault necessary to dismantle what it described as an “existential threat” posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. According to Israeli officials, the ongoing operation aims to eliminate top Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, missile launch sites and uranium enrichment centres. The conflict has already caused significant casualties. Iranian authorities report at least 224 people killed in Israeli strikes, while Israel says over 370 missiles and hundreds of drones have been launched by Iran. So far, 24 people have been killed in Israel and more than 500 wounded.