Khamenei Declares 'The War Has Begun,' Urges Confrontation with Israel
Khamenei declares war on Israel: 'No reconciliation, only force.' Iran launches 30-missile barrage as retaliation for Israeli strikes. Residents warned to flee cities amid escalating conflict.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday declared that “the war has begun,” calling for a forceful confrontation with Israel, amid intensifying missile exchanges between the two regional adversaries.
In a post on his official X account, Khamenei stated, “We do not seek reconciliation with Israel. The war has started, and we must confront them with strength.”
The remarks coincided with a new wave of missile attacks launched by Iran earlier in the day. As part of Operation “Truthful Promise 3,” Iranian forces reportedly fired approximately 30 ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory, with several landing near or inside civilian areas.
Iman Tajik, spokesperson for the ongoing operation, told reporters that Iran’s missile campaign is being executed with “careful planning” and will continue in multiple stages targeting various sectors inside Israel.
Iranian military commander Abdolrahim Mousavi echoed the warnings, saying in a video message that Iran’s retaliatory strikes would escalate rapidly. He urged residents in Israeli cities, particularly Tel Aviv and Haifa, to evacuate immediately, declaring these areas unsafe due to impending missile barrages.
Escalation Rooted in Israeli Strikes on Iranian Military Sites
This latest escalation follows Israeli airstrikes on Jun. 13, 2025, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, ballistic missile production centers, and key military leadership. The Israeli bombardment resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.
In response, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel overnight, many of which were intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems. However, several missiles bypassed the shield, striking residential buildings and causing significant structural damage in multiple urban areas.
As both nations continue to exchange heavy fire, international concern over a wider regional war grows, with calls mounting for de-escalation before the conflict expands further.
