Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared “The battle begins” in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, signaling a heightened state of conflict as Israel and Iran traded strikes for a fifth consecutive day.

Khamenei’s post, invoking the name “Haidar” (a name often associated with Ali, a revered figure in Shia Islam), was followed by another message on his English-language X account stating, “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.”

The escalating hostilities come as US President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing deeper American military involvement, including potential US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Sources indicate Trump is “warming to the idea” after a meeting with his national security team in the Situation Room. Over 30 US aerial refueling tankers have been sent to the Middle East, offering Trump more military options. While Trump’s stance is shifting, sources say he remains open to a diplomatic solution.

Israeli officials are reportedly waiting for Trump’s decision, hoping for US intervention. Ahead of Trump’s meeting, he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated that the US and Israel have been “fully coordinated” on the attacks, with American pilots and air defense systems assisting Israel. The US has warned Iran against targeting American personnel or assets in the region.

Recent developments in the conflict include continued military actions and rising casualties. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to strike “key targets” in Tehran, and an IDF spokesperson confirmed Israel’s air force is also targeting ballistic missile launching sites in Isfahan. Meanwhile, Iran’s Cyber Security Command claimed Israel launched “a widespread cyber war” against Iranian digital infrastructure. On the ground, the IDF reported a new wave of incoming missiles fired from Iran, with explosions heard over Tel Aviv.

On the humanitarian side, at least 2,725 people in Israel have been evacuated from their homes since the conflict began. As of Tuesday, Israel’s death toll remained at 24, with more than 647 people injured. In Iran, at least 224 people have been killed since hostilities commenced on Friday.

US President Donald Trump has issued strong warnings, writing on Truth Social that the US now has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran.” He called Supreme Leader Khamenei an “easy target” and warned that America’s “patience is wearing thin,” following up with a post in all caps: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.” Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s policy, suggesting the President “may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment,” but stressed that he is “only interested in using the American military to accomplish American people’s goals,” reiterating that Iran “can’t have a nuclear weapon.” Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated she and Trump are “on the same page” concerning Iran’s nuclear weapon timeline, having previously assessed that Iran is “not building a nuclear weapon.” However, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he believed Iran was “very close” to obtaining such a weapon.

The conflict has also impacted the economy, with oil prices surging on Tuesday to their highest levels in nearly five months. This surge, which began last week, is now starting to drive up prices at the gas pump, as the energy market remains on high alert for potential supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.