Israel Tightens the Noose on Tehran; Iran Warns of ‘All-Out War’ if U.S. Steps In

Israel’s relentless strikes on Iran’s capital entered a new phase Wednesday, as warplanes targeted Tehran’s military and nuclear facilities for the sixth consecutive day. 

The sustained Israeli campaign has crippled key elements of Iran’s air defense and nuclear infrastructure, while Tehran issued fresh warnings that any American military involvement would trigger a full-scale regional war.

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Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told Al Jazeera that U.S. intervention would ignite “all-out war”, escalating fears that the localized conflict could spiral beyond the Middle East. 

Tehran’s ambassador in Geneva also insisted Iran’s nuclear program remains operational and purely peaceful, rejecting claims of major setbacks despite confirmed damage at key centrifuge production sites in Karaj and Tehran, as verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

While Iranian missiles targeted Israel overnight, no casualties were reported. In turn, Israel’s military confirmed destruction of five Iranian AH-1 attack helicopters and multiple missile sites. Iranian state media aired footage of a downed Israeli Hermes 900 drone, adding to the fast-evolving battlefront.

The cyber front also heated up. State banks Bank Sepah and Bank Pasargad suffered online disruptions, with the hacker group "Predatory Sparrow" claiming responsibility for part of the attack. Iran’s increasingly isolated population faces growing restrictions, with authorities cutting international phone lines and further limiting internet access.

Meanwhile, civilians are fleeing. Hundreds of Pakistanis living in Iran have crossed into Balochistan, while Thailand has advised its nationals to leave Iran immediately.

International diplomacy is now racing against time. Chinese President Xi Jinping voiced “deep concern” from Kazakhstan, calling for urgent de-escalation. Egypt is engaging both Tehran and Washington, pressing for an immediate ceasefire and renewed talks on Iran’s nuclear future.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has quietly shifted military assets closer to the region. Refueling tankers and C-17s have moved into European bases, while F-16 jets were redeployed to Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base. President Donald Trump, standing firmly behind Israel, dismissed Iran’s threats but refrained from committing to immediate military action.

Israel’s strategy seemingly aims at systematically degrading Iran’s military capability while Tehran signals its readiness to retaliate if the conflict broadens. The standoff now sits precariously on a knife’s edge, drawing the world closer to one of the most dangerous regional escalations in years.