Iran Warns US Intervention Could Trigger All-Out War, Trump Firm:
By Amanda Castro and Shane Croucher
Iran has warned the United States that any military intervention in its conflict with Israel would lead to all-out war, further escalating tensions in the region. Despite the warning, President Donald Trump has remained firm in his stance, reiterating calls for Iran's unconditional surrender.
What to Know:
Iran's Foreign Ministry warned that U.S. involvement could have catastrophic consequences for global security.
Overnight, Israeli warplanes launched new strikes on Tehran, targeting military facilities and nuclear-related sites.
Iran responded with missile launches toward Israel, though most were intercepted over Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the West Bank.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that two centrifuge production sites were hit in the latest wave of Israeli airstrikes.
The U.S. military has repositioned warplanes and refueling aircraft, raising speculation about a possible direct role in Israeli operations.
Trump's warning to Tehran—including a call for residents to evacuate—has fueled fears of further escalation.
Follow Newsweek for live updates.
09:25 AM EDT
Road out of Tehran closed over 'heavy traffic'
Jammed Iranian road
This image from June 15, 2025 show vehicles jamming a highway as a fire blazes nearby in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, Iran. ATTA KENARE/Getty Images
A major route out of Tehran was closed overnight Tuesday as vehicles jammed roads following warnings by Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump to vacate the capital.
As Israel continued to bombard Iran, the Islamic Republic's traffic police said that the Chalus highway had been closed overnight because of heavy traffic before being reopened Wednesday morning.
Residents in the capital have been fleeing the city since Israel's airstrikes started last week, targeting Iran's military and intelligence leadership it said was developing a nuclear bomb, although Iran denies it has such a capability.
Traffic jams are in addition to major disruptions to banking and internet services in the country, adding to a climate of panic among Iranians.
Read the full story by Brendan Cole on Newsweek.
09:09 AM EDT
Israel expands airstrikes on military targets in Tehran
The Israeli military announced Wednesday that it is conducting additional airstrikes on military targets in Tehran, escalating its ongoing campaign against Iranian infrastructure.
Earlier in the day, Israel also reported strikes on attack helicopters in western Iran, though independent verification of these claims remains pending. The latest wave of attacks follows days of intensified military operations, with Israel targeting Iran's nuclear and defense facilities.
Israel expands airstrikes on military targets in Tehran
The Israeli military announced Wednesday that it is conducting additional airstrikes on military targets in Tehran, escalating its ongoing campaign against Iranian infrastructure.
Earlier in the day, Israel also reported strikes on attack helicopters in western Iran, though independent verification of these claims remains pending. The latest wave of attacks follows days of intensified military operations, with Israel targeting Iran's nuclear and defense facilities.
08:56 AM EDT
Khamenei condemns Israel's attack amid U.S.-Iran nuclear talks
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticized Israel's military campaign, stating that the strikes came. At the same time, Tehran was engaged in indirect negotiations with the United States over its nuclear enrichment program.
When Israel launched its airstrikes, Trump initially cautioned against military action during ongoing talks, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling Israel's move "unilateral." However, Trump administration officials have since expressed support for Israel's operation, fueling speculation that the U.S. may join the campaign.
In a pre-recorded video message, Khamenei claimed that American involvement signals Israel's weakness, adding that Iran's retaliatory actions have weakened the enemy. He urged Iranians to remain strong as tensions escalate.
08:42 AM EDT
Khamenei rejects Trump's surrender demand, warns of consequences
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
This handout picture provided by the office of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him praying inside the tomb of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran on January 30, 2025, ahead... More Khamenei Ir/Getty Images
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared Wednesday that the Iranian nation "is not one to surrender," responding to Trump's call for "unconditional surrender."
In a nationally televised address, Khamenei warned that any U.S. military intervention would lead to irreparable damage, emphasizing that Iran would not yield under threats. He criticized Trump's rhetoric, stating that those familiar with Iran's history understand that threats will not work.
Trump had escalated his stance on Truth Social, calling Khamenei "an easy target" and reiterating his demand for Iran's surrender. The exchange comes amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes
08:27 AM EDT
Israeli airstrikes hit Iran's defense ministry headquarters in Tehran
Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Nobonyad Square in Tehran, targeting the headquarters of Iran's defense ministry and several factories, according to Nour News, an outlet affiliated with Iran's National Security Council.
The Lavizan metropolitan area, another key site in the capital, was also struck. Reports indicate that the attacks are part of Israel's ongoing military campaign against Iranian infrastructure.
08:27 AM EDT
IAEA confirms Israeli strikes hit Iran's centrifuge facilities
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Wednesday that two centrifuge production sites in Iran were struck, hours after Israel claimed responsibility for airstrikes targeting nuclear infrastructure.
One building at the Tehran Research Center was hit, where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured. Additionally, two buildings at a workshop in Karaj, northwest of Tehran, were destroyed. Both sites had been previously monitored under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
The Israeli military stated that more than 50 warplanes were deployed overnight to target weapons production facilities and a centrifuge plant used for uranium enrichment. A military official later confirmed that about 20 targets were hit.
Israel launched its military campaign last week, aiming to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. The strikes have included attacks on military infrastructure, government buildings, and assassinations of nuclear scientists and commanders.
On Friday, Israel targeted Iran's Natanz nuclear site, where most of its nuclear fuel is produced. The IAEA initially reported that the aboveground enrichment plant was destroyed, but later confirmed direct impacts on underground enrichment halls.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has denied any intention to build a bomb. However, Tehran has responded with missile and drone strikes against Israel.
08:14 AM EDT
Hegseth faces scrutiny in final Capitol Hill hearing amid Iran-Israel conflict
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday for the last in a series of contentious hearings. Lawmakers are expected to press him on his handling of military policy, including his ban on transgender troops, firings of top military leaders, and use of an unsecured Signal chat to discuss sensitive military operations.
While the hearing was initially focused on Pentagon spending, the escalation of airstrikes between Iran and Israel has shifted the conversation toward U.S. military posture in the region. The U.S. has repositioned refueling tankers and fighter aircraft to prepare for potential evacuations or airstrikes, with Hegseth stating the moves aimed to protect American personnel and airbases.
Hegseth's tenure has been marked by controversial policy shifts, including efforts to redirect funding from troop housing to border security and remove diversity programs. His confirmation was the closest vote of any Trump Cabinet member, and his use of Signal for military discussions has drawn criticism, prompting a Pentagon watchdog investigation.
08:01 AM EDT
Xi Jinping breaks silence on Israel-Iran conflict as China warns citizens
Xi Jinping Arrives at Kremlin for Concert
President of China Xi Jinping arrives in the Kremlin for a gala concert held for heads of foreign delegations, in Moscow, Thursday, May 8, 2025, ahead of celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory... More Alexandr Kryazhev/RIA Novosti via AP
Chinese President Xi Jinping has broken his silence on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, expressing deep concern a day after Beijing urged its nationals to leave Iran amid waves of Israeli bombardment.
His statement, delivered Tuesday on the sidelines of a summit in Kazakhstan, came just hours before President Donald Trump appeared to signal impending American military involvement—prompting criticism that such action would violate his "no new wars" campaign pledge.
Iran received diplomatic support from China—a longtime strategic partner and leading export market—during the more limited exchanges of missile fire with Israel in both April and October of last year.
The latest crisis began Friday with Israel's surprise strikes on a range of Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities, missile batteries, senior military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran responded with retaliatory missile and drone attacks.
Newsweek has reached out to the Israeli Foreign Ministry with an emailed request for comment.
Read the full story by Micah McCartney on Newsweek.
07:15 AM EDT
Israel-Iran conflict map shows how strikes are unfolding
This compelling map from Newsweek's John Feng shows where Israel and Iran have struck each other over the past few days. It uses data compiled by the Institute for the Study of War.
Flourish logoA Flourish map
07:12 AM EDT
Khamenei fires warning back at Trump after threats
Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has fired back at U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he knows where the Iranian leader is hiding and that his patience is wearing thin. Trump is considering striking Iran with Israel.
"We warn America of the consequences of engaging in war, because it will suffer severe damage if it decides to do so," Khamenei said in an address to the nation. "War is met with war, bombing with bombing, and strike with strike."
Khamenei continued: "America must know that our people will not surrender, and any military intervention on their part will lead to irreversible repercussions."
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