Long Description (2000+ words, important terms in bold)

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran reached a new level of intensity on June 18, 2025, after Iran confirmed the use of its Fattah-1 hypersonic missile in a nighttime attack on Israel, targeting critical infrastructure and triggering widespread alarm in the Middle East and beyond.

As global powers watched closely, United States military assets were repositioned, and access to its largest Middle East base was restricted, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the risk of broader regional war.

Iran Launches Fattah Hypersonic Missile on Israel

In a bold move, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple Fattah-1 hypersonic ballistic missiles aimed at key Israeli sites. Iranian state media claimed that the missiles caused severe damage, including a direct hit on a medical building, fires in Tel Aviv, and destruction in central Israel.

The Fattah, which translates to “Conqueror” in Persian, is Iran’s first domestically developed hypersonic missile. Unveiled on June 6, 2023, by the IRGC Aerospace Force, it uses solid-fuel propulsion and a two-stage design. Iran claims the missile can travel at terminal speeds of Mach 13 to Mach 15, with a range of approximately 1,400 kilometres, placing Israel well within its striking distance.

This marks the first confirmed use of a hypersonic missile in active Middle East combat, raising regional and global security concerns.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s Stern Warning to the US

Speaking publicly for the second time since the conflict began, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected American pressure and issued a warning that any US military involvement would result in “irreparable damage” to American forces and interests.

Khamenei’s remarks came after Israel reported that it had lifted some emergency restrictions, indicating that the intensity of missile attacks may have eased, although air defence systems remain on high alert.

His statement was aimed squarely at the United States, following repeated threats from former President Donald Trump, who said the US is prepared to act if Iran’s nuclear programme crosses a red line. While Trump stated that he does not want war, his rhetoric has grown more aggressive in recent days.

United States Military Response and Base Restrictions

In response to escalating tensions, the United States has moved military assets closer to the region and restricted access to its largest Middle East air base, according to Pentagon officials. The Pentagon refused to disclose exact locations, but insiders suggest repositioning near Gulf States and the Eastern Mediterranean.

These moves are being seen as part of contingency planning if the Israel-Iran conflict expands or if American interests are directly targeted.

President Trump, speaking at a press conference, reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from developing a deliverable nuclear weapon, saying:

“We don’t want to strike, but we will do what’s necessary to extinguish Iran’s nuclear ambition.”

Russia Offers Mediation as Global Stakes Rise

In a surprising diplomatic intervention, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to mediate between Iran and Israel. Putin proposed a settlement that would allow Iran to pursue a peaceful atomic programme while addressing Israel’s security concerns.

When asked how Russia would react if Israel attempted to assassinate Khamenei, Putin avoided the question and said he “doesn’t want to discuss such a possibility.”

Russia’s attempt at diplomacy comes amid strained relations with both the West and NATO, and could be a strategic play to position itself as a peace broker in a volatile region.

Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure in Israel

Reports from Tel Aviv and surrounding areas confirm extensive damage to infrastructure, including hospitals and civilian zones. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that missile fragments struck a major hospital wing, injuring multiple medical staff and patients.

Emergency services responded to fires and power outages, particularly in Tel Aviv and Herzliya, while public transport was halted temporarily.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held emergency security meetings and promised swift retaliation if Iran continues its attacks. Analysts believe Israel may strike deeper into Iran, possibly targeting its missile production facilities.

What is the Fattah Missile?

The Fattah-1 hypersonic missile represents a technological leap for Iran’s military capabilities. Key features include:

• Solid-fuel propulsion for quicker deployment

• Two-stage rocket design for extended range

• Terminal speeds exceeding Mach 13, making it difficult to intercept with current air defence systems

• Precision targeting enabled by advanced guidance systems

Military experts say the Fattah could evade Iron Dome and other Israeli missile defences, especially when fired in salvo formations or paired with electronic countermeasures.

This marks a shift in Iran’s deterrence strategy, showing not just capacity but willingness to use hypersonic tech in real combat.

Global Reaction and Diplomatic Concerns

Countries around the world have urged calm and restraint, fearing the conflict could spread to:

• Lebanon and Syria, where Hezbollah and Iranian proxies operate

• The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil passage

• US bases in Iraq, Bahrain, and Qatar, all within range of Iran’s missile arsenal

The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency closed-door session, while the European Union called for an immediate ceasefire and return to diplomatic dialogue.

Israel’s Strategic Options

Israel now faces several strategic choices:

• Expand airstrikes against Iranian missile launch sites

• Target Iran’s nuclear infrastructure

• Seek international support to pressure Iran into a new agreement

• Respond covertly to avoid further escalation

Israel’s recent lifting of civilian restrictions may indicate confidence in its air defence systems, but the psychological and economic damage from the missile attacks remains severe.

Conclusion

The conflict between Israel and Iran has taken a dangerous turn with the first confirmed combat use of a hypersonic missile in the Middle East. As the US moves its military assets and Russia offers to mediate, the situation remains fluid and highly volatile.

Iran’s use of the Fattah missile is a signal that it intends to defend its interests with maximum force, while the international community scrambles to prevent a full-scale war in the region.

The coming days will be crucial as leaders weigh diplomacy versus escalation, and the world watches whether cool heads or combat tactics will prevail.

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