Tensions between Israel and Iran soared further on Thursday after a missile strike blamed on Tehran hit a hospital near Tel Aviv, injuring at least 47 people. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, launched a scathing attack on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling him a war criminal and declaring that he “can no longer be allowed to exist.”

In a post on social media platform X, Katz accused Khamenei of orchestrating attacks from a fortified bunker while targeting civilians. “These are war crimes of the most serious kind, and Khamenei will be held accountable,” he wrote. He added that both he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to escalate strikes on strategic and governmental targets inside Iran.

Iranian state media, however, claimed the intended target was a military intelligence facility, not the hospital. IRNA reported that the missile was aimed at the IDF Command and Intelligence Base located within the Gav-Yam Technology Park near the Soroka Hospital, and the hospital sustained damage only from the blast wave.

Israel's retaliatory air campaign has sharply intensified, with over 50 targets struck in Tehran alone. Among them were nuclear research sites, centrifuge facilities, and workshops critical to Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities. Several high-ranking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists were reportedly killed.

Amid this spiraling conflict, Iran has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for an “unconditional surrender.” In a televised speech, Ayatollah Khamenei warned the U.S. of “irreparable damage” if it enters the conflict militarily. “Those who understand Iran’s history and resolve will never attempt to subdue this nation through threats,” he stated.

As the regional war deepens, the risk of broader international involvement continues to grow.

Tensions between Israel and Iran soared further on Thursday after a missile strike blamed on Tehran hit a hospital near Tel Aviv, injuring at least 47 people. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, launched a scathing attack on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling him a war criminal and declaring that he “can no longer be allowed to exist.”

In a post on social media platform X, Katz accused Khamenei of orchestrating attacks from a fortified bunker while targeting civilians. “These are war crimes of the most serious kind, and Khamenei will be held accountable,” he wrote. He added that both he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to escalate strikes on strategic and governmental targets inside Iran.

Iranian state media, however, claimed the intended target was a military intelligence facility, not the hospital. IRNA reported that the missile was aimed at the IDF Command and Intelligence Base located within the Gav-Yam Technology Park near the Soroka Hospital, and the hospital sustained damage only from the blast wave.

Israel's retaliatory air campaign has sharply intensified, with over 50 targets struck in Tehran alone. Among them were nuclear research sites, centrifuge facilities, and workshops critical to Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities. Several high-ranking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists were reportedly killed.

Amid this spiraling conflict, Iran has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for an “unconditional surrender.” In a televised speech, Ayatollah Khamenei warned the U.S. of “irreparable damage” if it enters the conflict militarily. “Those who understand Iran’s history and resolve will never attempt to subdue this nation through threats,” he stated.

As the regional war deepens, the risk of broader international involvement continues to grow.