Iran: We have not yet launched the 21st wave of missiles at Israel.

Iran: We have not yet launched the 21st wave of missiles at Israel.

The military conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified, marking the sixth consecutive day of hostilities as both sides continue to exchange missile attacks. On Wednesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched a Fattah-1 hypersonic missile at Israel, the first use of this missile in the ongoing conflict [1]. The BBC reported that explosions were heard over Tel Aviv following early morning missile barrages from Iran, while Israeli airstrikes continued near Tehran, targeting suspected military infrastructure.

The escalating tensions come amidst reports of fresh missile strikes targeting cities across Israel. On Friday, Iran launched a wave of missile strikes, with nationwide alerts issued across Israel advising residents to take shelter immediately. Seventeen people were injured, including two seriously, during a ballistic missile strike on Haifa [2]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site of the Weizmann Institute of Science, which was hit by missiles, and held a press conference outside the facility.

In response, Israel carried out retaliatory attacks, targeting missile launchers in the southwest of Iran. The Israeli Air Force confirmed striking surface-to-air missile batteries in southwestern Iran [2]. The UK has also withdrawn its diplomatic staff from Iran due to security concerns, citing the ongoing conflict [2].

The US has been closely monitoring the situation, with President Donald Trump indicating that he may make a decision regarding US involvement in the conflict within the next two weeks. Trump has stated that he is not looking to fight Iran but warned that the US wants "total, complete victory" over the country [2]. The US President has also expressed willingness to engage in diplomatic talks with Tehran, suggesting that a deal could still be possible.

The conflict has led to significant civilian casualties, with at least 224 civilians killed in Israeli strikes as of information released by Iran's government [2]. The ongoing military conflict has raised concerns about the potential involvement of the US and the broader implications for regional stability and global markets.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/fattah-1-hits-israel-iran-fires-hypersonic-missile-at-tel-aviv-trump-watching-closely/videoshow/121932096.cms
[2] https://www.lbc.co.uk/world-news/iran-launches-fresh-missile-strikes-israel-uk-withdraws-embassy-staff/