US sends more fighter jets to Middle East - Reuters

A viewer-submitted video to Iran International shows a missile fired from Iranian territory passing over Isfahan on Tuesday.

The eyewitness said the missile appeared to head west, though its final destination was unclear.

Two blasts struck an area near the Espinas Hotel and behind the Kosar buildings north of Tehran in Saadat Abad neighbourhood on Tuesday, a viewer told Iran International TV.

The video footage sent by the Iranian citizen showed smoke rising from the site, suggesting another targeted strike in central Tehran.

"Immediately leave Haifa and Tel Aviv,” Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces said Tuesday.

“Punitive operations are imminent" he added. Mousavi said earlier strikes were only a deterrent and that the real response is yet to come.

Iran International has learned that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has handed over key powers to the Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), amid a five-day absence from public view.

The move follows reports that Khamenei has been relocated to an underground bunker in Lavizan, northeast Tehran, along with close family members, including his son Mojtaba.

US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

While Iran has not officially declared a state of war, judiciary officials have acknowledged that the country is operating under de facto emergency conditions. The delegation of authority is seen as a precaution to ensure continuity of command if Khamenei is killed.

US President Donald Trump is seriously considering joining the war and launching a US strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, especially its underground uranium enrichment facility in Fordow, Axios reported citing US officials.

Trump will meet with his national security team in the White House Situation Room at 1pm on Tuesday to make a decision on US policy towards the war between Israel and Iran, the report added citing three US officials.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli defense establishment continue to believe the Trump is likely to enter the war in the coming days to bomb Iran's underground enrichment facility, the report said citing two Israeli officials.