Pentagon has ‘day after’ plans for Iran strike, Hegseth tells Senate

Iran summoned the German ambassador to Tehran on Wednesday to protest what it called “offensive remarks” by Friedrich Merz, Iranian media including the semi-official Mehr News Agency reported.

The complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear weapons program could be considered if Tehran refuses to return to negotiations, Merz said Tuesday.

Israeli army is now in the sixth day of its military campaign targeting the Islamic Republic’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday night.

“They control the skies of Tehran, strike with nuclear weapons and missiles, and the people's spirit is strong,” Netanyahu said in a video message.

Israeli forces are hitting nuclear sites, missile depots, command centers, and symbolic government targets he added.

Netanyahu also thanked US President Donald Trump for supporting Israel and helping defend its airspace, saying close consultations are ongoing.

Iran summoned the Swiss envoy in Tehran on Wednesday to protest US President Donald Trump’s remarks, Iranian media including the semi-official Mehr News Agency said.

Trump had earlier demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

Air defenses over Tehran have been reactivated on Wednesday night, Iranian media said.

Separately, air defense systems were also reactivated over Shiraz, a viewer told Iran International.

A major cyberattack targeting the country’s banking system had been thwarted, Iran's Cybersecurity Command announced Wednesday.