Israel-Iran War: At Least 600 Killed Amid Conflict; Trump Issues Threats, Khamenei Says 'We Will Not Surrender' - 10 Key Developments

At least 585 people have been killed and 1,326 injured in Iran as a result of Israeli airstrikes, according to a human rights group, while reports suggest 24 people have died in Israel during the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, flights began arriving in Israel from Cyprus on Wednesday, June 18, as part of efforts to bring back some of the 150,000 Israelis stranded abroad, many desperate to return amid the escalating crisis. The situation continues to intensify. Here are ten key developments:

1. Iran Fires Hypersonic Missiles at Israel

Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed the use of Fattah1 hypersonic missiles in a strike dubbed “Operation Honest Promise 3”. Capable of travelling at Mach 5 and evading most missile defences, the missiles reportedly targeted key Israeli installations, as Iran claimed “complete control over the skies of the occupied territories”.

2. Trump’s Stern Warning to Khamenei

Former President Donald Trump issued a firm warning, saying, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” but added that the US would not strike, “at least not for now.” Demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” Trump declared that America’s patience was “wearing thin”.

3. Khamenei Rejects Mercy, Escalates Rhetoric

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hit back with a chilling message on X. He wrote, “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.” His statement suggested that Tehran is preparing for further, potentially more lethal action.

4. Trump Rejected Israeli Plot to Kill Khamenei

According to US officials, Israel proposed a plan to eliminate Khamenei early in the conflict. Trump reportedly turned it down, fearing regional destabilisation, despite Israel’s confidence in the operation.

5. Israeli Strikes Hit Missile Facility Near Tehran

Iranian media reported that Israel has targeted the Khojir missile production site, crucial to Tehran’s ballistic programme. The site was previously struck in 2024 and remains a major strategic asset.

6. Trump Leaves Diplomatic Door Ajar

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Trump did not rule out talks. He floated the names of Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff as possible negotiators, but dismissed a previous assessment by National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard downplaying Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

7. IAEA Finds No Nuclear Weapon Evidence (Yet)

The Iranian Embassy in India cited IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi’s statement that there is “no proof of a systematic effort” by Iran to pursue nuclear weapons. The comment added nuance to the escalating narrative but met with scepticism.

8. Trump Contradicts Gabbard on Iran’s Intentions

Trump directly dismissed Gabbard’s congressional testimony, saying “I don’t care what she said,” and insisted Iran was dangerously close to acquiring a bomb, aligning himself with Israeli PM Netanyahu’s position.

9. Israel Presses US for Bunker-Busting Bombs

Israel is urging the US to either supply or deploy the 30,000-pound GBU-57 bomb to destroy Iran’s underground Fordo nuclear site, which has thus far survived repeated airstrikes.

10. MAGA Base Split Over Iran Escalation

Trump’s aggressive stance has sparked unease among his allies. Prominent voices like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene warned against another Middle Eastern war. Trump responded by attacking Carlson, asserting, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon!”