Israel and Iran at war, Day 5: what we know so far

Responders from Iran's Red Crescent attend to the site of an Israeli attack, June 17 2025.
Responders from Iran's Red Crescent attend to the site of an Israeli attack, June 17 2025.

Israel stepped up attacks on Iran as the war entered its fifth day on Wednesday morning, while US President Donald Trump demanded Tehran unconditionally surrender and moved US jets and ships to the region.

Here's a brief summary of major developments as the conflict entered its fifth day.

Trump's remarks on a US role

  • Trump said the US and Israel had total control of Iran's skies.
  • Trump called for Iran's unconditional surrender.
  • Trump said the US knows where Iran's Supreme Leader is hiding but would not kill him for now.
  • Trump said the US does not want missiles shot at civilians or US troops.
  • Trump said the US patience was wearing thin.

Israel steps up attacks

  • Israel ordered a Tehran district home to hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate.
  • A huge explosion sent a mushroom cloud rising over eastern Tehran after Israeli airstrikes targeted the IRGC-affiliated Imam Hossein University as well as Khojir missile production complex.
  • Multiple missile sites were struck in Isfahan, Israel said.
  • Explosions and air defense activity were reported in Tehran, Karaj and Shiraz.
  • Israel's military said 60 Israeli Air Force jets launched a major wave of strikes targeting Iranian missile launchers in the heart of Iran.
  • Israeli attacks have so far killed 585 people and injured 1,326 in Iran, the human rights group HRANA reported.

Military ramp-up

  • US warplanes departed a military base in England on Tuesday, the BBC reported.
  • The United States is deploying additional fighter aircraft to the Middle East, Reuters reported.
  • The US buildup includes F-22, F-16, and F-35 jets, one official said.
  • Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces called for the evacuation of Haifa and Tel Aviv after Israeli evacuation warnings for Tehran.
  • The Islamic Revolutionary Guards' Aerospace Force targeted Israeli air bases.

Leaders weigh in

  • French President Emmanuel Macron said any push to overthrow Iran’s government would bring chaos to the region.
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he hoped for a de-escalation.
  • Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Israel and said the outcome of the crisis was up to Tehran.
  • Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, an opposition leader, urged a nationwide uprising.