The battle begins: Khamenei responds to Trump’s threats amid possible US attack

"We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy," Khamenei posted on X.

Israel started the conflict with a surprise attack on Iran amid the latter's nuclear deal talks with the United States. Over the past few days, hundreds of people have died in Iran. Many of Tehran's salvos breached Israel's Iron Dome defense system, killing at least 24 people.

Iran also fired hypersonic missiles at Israel on Wednesday.

On Wednesday night, Iran's capital, Tehran, was pounded by Israeli warplanes.