On the fifth day of the conflict, military exchanges between Iran and Israel continued in a similar pattern to the previous day. While the Zionist regime persisted in targeting various Iranian cities, especially Tehran, Iran responded with a smaller but highly effective salvo of missiles, including the “Fattah” class, striking strategic targets within the occupied territories. The dominant theme of the day, however, was the growing possibility of U.S. intervention in the war, which, according to the latest assessments, has significantly increased.

Military Developments:

• Over the past 24 hours, Israel launched multiple airstrikes on various targets inside Iran. These included both military and non-military sites, with drones used less frequently, but a marked increase in missile launches from Israeli jets.
• Iran, in response, initiated two waves of missile attacks at around 8:00 PM, launching approximately 5 to 10 missiles. According to reports, two Israeli military facilities, including the Herzliya Intelligence-Security Center, were targeted. Due to Israel’s tight censorship policies, only limited imagery of these strikes is available.
• Notably, the U.S. evacuated two of its military bases in Syria last night. While this raises concerns about the possible resurgence of ISIS, it more significantly signals a strategic withdrawal and forces repositioning amid the growing likelihood of direct U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel confrontation and anticipated threats from the “Axis of Resistance.”
• At around 1:00 AM, Iran launched another wave of approximately 20 missiles into Israeli territory. Five confirmed hits were reported, including the first documented operational use of the “Fattah” hypersonic missile, which reportedly struck its intended targets with precision.

One of the main targets was the Ma’or Airbase. A notable observation was the increased failure rate of Israel’s missile defense systems, which resulted in widespread fires across the occupied territories.

• Around 2:00 AM, the Israeli army issued a statement warning residents of Tehran’s District 18 to evacuate. A few hours later, multiple explosions were reported across the capital, extending from east to west of Tehran.
• The most significant target hit during this period was the Khojir missile production complex in southwest Tehran. Other Iranian cities, including Ahvaz, Zanjan, and Isfahan, were also attacked, though most incoming projectiles were intercepted by Iranian air defenses.
• In a speech, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed Iran holds an arsenal of nearly 20,000 missiles. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that Israel’s defensive missile stockpile could be depleted within 12 days if the current rate of Iranian attacks continues.

Political Developments:

Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly held a high-level meeting with his cabinet late last night to discuss the possibility of a direct strike on Iran.  Sources indicate deep internal division among his advisors on whether or not to proceed. Trump also held a lengthy phone call with Netanyahu, but no official statement was released afterward. However, strategic analysis suggests an increased likelihood of a U.S. strike targeting Iran’s Fordow and Natanz nuclear facilities. Iran, in response, has threatened full retaliation, including closing the Strait of Hormuz and targeting all U.S. bases in the region.

• President Erdogan of Turkey declared that Netanyahu’s Israel represents the greatest threat to regional stability.

• Iran’s ambassador to Russia, in a veiled message, stated that the Iranian people will never forget who stood with them in these critical times, and who chose to remain silent.

• Separately, the Iranian ambassador to Armenia formally thanked the Armenian government and people for their support.

• Venezuelan President issued an appeal to nations such as China, Russia, Turkey, and other Islamic governments to support Iran against Israel and the United States.

• Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff is scheduled to meet President Trump over lunch today, a move being closely watched for its implications.
• French President Emmanuel Macron warned that regime change in Iran through military intervention would be a grave mistake, emphasizing that such action could lead to widespread chaos.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.