Israel announces wave of strikes on Tehran after Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ – latest updates

Israel announces wave of strikes on Tehran after Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ – latest updates

Below is the latest on the rapidly escalating Israel–Iran conflict, centered around Israel’s air-strike campaign on Tehran after former U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

🔥 Major Strikes & Iran's Response

• Israel’s offensive on Tehran: In an operation dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” the Israeli Air Force—partnering with Mossad—has executed multiple waves of airstrikes across Tehran and other strategic sites since June 13, hitting nuclear facilities (Natanz, Fordow), military command centers, state media headquarters, and even executing car-bomb attacks near government buildings  .

• Casualties: Fatalities reported include dozens of senior Iranian military leaders (Gen. Ali Shadmani, IRGC commanders, intelligence chiefs), as well as scientists . Iran estimates its death toll at 224, mostly civilians; Israel reports around 24 Israeli civilian deaths .

• Iran’s retaliation: Iran has launched roughly 400 missiles and hundreds of drones—including hypersonics—aimed at Israeli territory and U.S. forces in the region; Israel’s Iron Dome has intercepted many .

💥 Humanitarian Fallout & Civilian Exodus

• Tehran has witnessed mass evacuations: an estimated 100,000+ displaced, traffic gridlock, fuel shortages, internet shutdowns, and restricted communication .

• With tens of thousands fleeing—and northern Iran receiving displaced populations—the conflict has triggered a major internal refugee crisis termed “2025 Iranian Exodus” .

🗣️ Trump’s Role & U.S. Posture

• Trump's ultimatum: Former President Trump posted on Truth Social demanding Iran's "unconditional surrender," even urging residents to evacuate Tehran .

• Military posture: Trump warned the U.S. is tracking Iran's nuclear leader Ayatollah Khamenei's location—though he stated there's no intention to strike him “for now” . The U.S. has moved aircraft carriers, refueling tankers, and missile-defense assets into the Middle East .

• Congressional backlash: Several lawmakers, including Sen. Tim Kaine, have introduced war‑powers legislation to restrain unilateral military escalations by the presidency .

• U.S.–Israeli coordination: While Washington asserts it’s not directly joined the strikes, defense officials deny killing Iranian leaders isn’t ruled out in coordination with Israel .

🌍 International & Diplomatic Responses

• Global alarm: G7 leaders, including Macron and Merz, are urging de-escalation; Russia’s foreign ministry publicly acknowledged Iran’s right to self-defense — but all parties stress diplomacy should prevail .

• Talks suspended: A planned sixth round of nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Oman (scheduled June 15) was pulled as the violence intensified . Iran has signaled a willingness to engage via Gulf mediators like Qatar and Oman once it's safe .

• Regional tensions: U.S. embassies in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have relocated personnel. Russia, China, the EU, and Gulf States are pushing for a diplomatic halt. Oil markets have reacted, and global economic concerns are mounting .

🛡️ Military & Technical Scope

• Air supremacy: Israel reportedly achieved aerial dominance over Tehran within days of launching the operation, disabling air defenses, enabling continuous aerial assaults on key targets 

• Ongoing threats: Israel has warned it won’t rule out hitting Khamenei if necessary, although Trump vetoed a proposed assassination strike; meanwhile, Iran continues to target Israeli energy infrastructure 

🔮 Outlook & Risks

• Escalation danger: Military analysts warn that any U.S. intervention or targeting of Iran’s deeper nuclear installations (like Fordow) could prompt massive Iranian retaliation—potentially pulling in Gulf states, disrupting shipping lanes (Strait of Hormuz), or risking a wider war 

• Diplomacy under pressure: With nuclear talks stalled, global voices—including the UN and ICRC—urge ceasefire and humanitarian corridors .

• Human cost: Civilian deaths are mounting on both sides. The displacement from Tehran may deepen internal instability within Iran, while Israeli cities remain under constant threat of missile attacks.

📝 Bottom Line

This is now a full-blown regional crisis. Israel’s wave of airstrikes on Tehran follows a one‑two punch of Iranian missiles and Trump’s dramatic missile-backed ultimatum. Civilian suffering and displacement, coupled with diplomatic breakdown, amplify the risk of a broader Middle East war—one that global powers are scrambling to contain.