Iran Fires Hypersonic Missiles at Israel as Khamenei Warns of “Irreparable Damage”

The speech came after Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched dozens of ballistic and hypersonic missiles into Israeli territory, in what it calls a retaliatory campaign for the Friday strikes that killed senior Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists.

Iran Uses Hypersonic Weapons for the First Time in Combat

Iran confirmed the use of Fattah-class hypersonic missiles in its attack — marking the first known combat deployment of this cutting-edge weapon system. Named by Khamenei himself, “Fattah” (Arabic for “Conqueror”) is designed to penetrate fortified defenses and deliver devastating impact in seconds.

First unveiled in June 2023, these hypersonic missiles can reportedly reach speeds of Mach 15 to 20 and follow unpredictable flight paths that render them nearly unstoppable by conventional missile defense systems.

A symbolic banner displayed in Tehran after their reveal had read: “400 seconds to Tel Aviv.” That chilling slogan now echoes across Israeli media as multiple impacts from Fattah-class weapons are reported, particularly near Rishon LeZion and northern Israeli cities, with at least two dead and dozens wounded.

Khamenei: “We Will Not Be Subdued”

In his address, Khamenei accused Israel of war crimes and dismissed Western calls for restraint:

“Wise individuals who know Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation in the language of threats — because the Iranian nation is not one that can be subdued.”

He further warned that if Israel or the United States makes what he called a “strategic mistake,” the response would be “much more destructive and devastating.”

Tehran Declares Israeli Attacks ‘A Declaration of War’

Iran has formally declared Israel’s actions a “declaration of war” and vows continued retaliation. IRGC leaders told Fars News that further action would target “vital economic and energy infrastructure” across Israel if provocation continues.

Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister dismissed diplomatic outreach attempts, saying,

“No one should call us asking for restraint.”

International Fallout: United Nations in Emergency Session

Tensions spilled over into the UN Security Council, where Iranian, Israeli, and American envoys clashed in a fiery emergency session. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov blamed Western nations for enabling what he called “Nazi Israel’s impunity” and accused the UK, France, and Germany of “twisting reality” by blaming Iran rather than condemning Israeli escalation.

Global Powers React, Regional Forces Mobilize

The United States, though not involved militarily, is reinforcing its regional presence. The USS Thomas Hudner and eight other U.S. Navy destroyers are now on high alert in the Mediterranean, while the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group remains stationed under CENTCOM command. The Nimitz strike group in the Indo-Pacific may be rerouted if escalation continues.

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News, said the U.S. would “defend itself and Israel if attacked,” while maintaining that America seeks a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue. Yet, he confirmed being informed of the Israeli strikes in advance and stated:

“There were no surprises.”

Casualties and Global Tensions Mount

Iranian media reports confirm the deaths of IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Deputy Army Chief Gholam Ali Rashid, and nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoon Abbasi in the initial Israeli airstrikes. In retaliation, Iranian missiles reportedly struck Ben Gurion International Airport and multiple civilian zones, leading to injuries and infrastructure damage.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza and now Iran, declared:

“Netanyahu has now surpassed Hitler in the crime of genocide… Sooner or later, they will pay — in this world and the next.”

What Makes Hypersonic Missiles So Dangerous?

Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds five times faster than sound (6,000+ km/h) and can maneuver mid-flight, making them almost impossible to intercept. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles that follow a predictable arc, hypersonic glide vehicles skate beneath radar horizons, adjusting paths in real-time, giving targets only seconds to respond.

Despite their staggering $18 million per unit cost, the potential for surprise, precision, and defense evasion makes them a game-changer in modern warfare.

Developing:

Iranian officials warn this is “not the final round.” Israel has struck Iranian airports and military installations again this morning. The world holds its breath as two regional powers edge closer to full-scale war.