Massive explosion rocks Tehran, UN says two nuclear sites destroyed in Israel strikes

A major explosion rocked Tehran early Wednesday as conflict between Israel and Iran deepens, fueling speculation about potential U.S. military intervention or diplomatic negotiations.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a new wave of airstrikes targeting Tehran, issuing an urgent warning for residents in Area 18 to evacuate immediately. "Dear citizens, for your safety and well-being, we urgently request that you evacuate the designated area in Tehran’s Area 18. Your presence in this area puts your life at risk," the IDF posted on social media.

Panic gripped Tehran on Tuesday evening as powerful explosions were reported in both the western and eastern parts of the city. Witnesses described widespread chaos, with heavy traffic clogging roads leading out of the capital and long lines forming at fuel stations. While the full extent of the damage is still unclear, reports suggest multiple buildings were hit.

In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it launched hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles at Tel Aviv. These advanced missiles, which travel at over five times the speed of sound, are difficult to detect and intercept. However, no confirmed hits were reported, as Israel's air defenses intercepted many incoming threats, including drones.

The IDF also confirmed Iranian missile launches, prompting Israelis across the country to seek shelter. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Israeli strikes destroyed two centrifuge manufacturing facilities in Karaj and damaged another advanced centrifuge site in Tehran—key components of Iran’s nuclear program.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, vowed retaliation. "We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy," he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Tensions escalated further when former U.S. President Donald Trump declared on social media that the U.S. knows the whereabouts of Khamenei but would not target him—"for now." Trump also called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

U.S. lawmakers reacted swiftly. Senator Bernie Sanders warned against "illegal military action," while Senator Tim Kaine introduced a resolution requiring congressional authorization before any U.S. strike on Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant compared Khamenei's fate to that of Saddam Hussein, implying potential regime change.

Following a national security briefing, Trump is reportedly weighing options, including support for Israeli strikes on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility. The site, buried deep beneath a mountain, would likely require U.S.-made bunker-busting munitions to breach.

Despite Trump’s claims of non-involvement, his abrupt exit from the G7 summit in Canada and subsequent rhetoric have sparked speculation of imminent U.S. engagement. The G7 leaders called for de-escalation while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself.

The situation has forced evacuations across both nations. In Tehran, citizens rushed to secure essentials, with scenes of panic playing out at bakeries and fuel stations. Iran reports at least 224 deaths since the start of Israel’s campaign, including military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Israel has confirmed 24 fatalities and hundreds injured.

Foreign nationals are also fleeing Iran, with over 700 crossing into neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan. In Israel, civilians have sought refuge in shelters and underground facilities, including mall parking garages.

The conflict has effectively stalled U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. Tehran has stated it will not return to talks while under military attack. Meanwhile, the U.N. nuclear watchdog reported possible direct hits on underground enrichment facilities in Natanz. Israel maintains ambiguity about its own nuclear capabilities, though SIPRI estimates it holds around 90 nuclear warheads.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged diplomacy and cautioned against attempts at regime change in Iran, warning that such efforts would result in “chaos.”