The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran early Saturday, with explosions reported in Tehran and other parts of the country, marking a serious escalation amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.Iran in its retaliatory strikes has attacked Israel with a barrage of missiles and drones, along with targeting US military bases in the region, including US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters Bahrain.
The first apparent strike was reported near the offices of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian media cited by the AP.First Israeli defence minister Israel Katz and later US president Donald Trump confirmed the operation saying the US had begun “major combat operations in Iran.”
Israel attacks Iran
The strikes triggered immediate retaliation. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard announced it had launched a “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel. Explosions were heard across northern Israel as air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles, while sirens sounded in Jordan. There were no immediate reports of casualties.As the situation unfolded, airspace across parts of the region was shut, US embassies advised Americans to shelter in place. Here are top key points of the conflict:
‘Preemptive strikes’
Israel launched a “preemptive strike” on Iran, with the country’s defence minister declaring a nationwide state of emergency. A statement put up by Israel’s defense ministry confirmed the strikes saying, “The State of Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran. Defence minister Israel Katz has declared a special and immediate state of emergency throughout the country.” Later US president Donald Trump confirmed the operation in a video posted on Truth Social, saying the US had begun “major combat operations in Iran.” He said the objective was to defend the United States by “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the joint Israel–US offensive in Iran, dubbed “Operation Lion’s Roar,” saying Tehran’s “murderous terrorist regime” can’t be allowed to have nuclear weapons.
Trump announces ‘major combat operations’
In his video message on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged the risks of the military campaign.“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties,” he said. “That often happens in war.”He added that Iran had been warned “never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons,” and said: “We sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried.”Accusing Tehran of rejecting diplomatic overtures, Trump said, “They rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can’t take it anymore.”He further warned Iranian officials to “lay down your arms” or “you will face certain death,” and described the operation as “a noble mission.”
Strikes reported nationwide in Iran
Iranian media reported strikes across the country, with smoke seen rising from parts of Tehran. Residents described hearing heavy explosions.A resident near Mehrabad airport reported “two heavy explosions” that shook windows, while another in central Tehran near Vanak spoke of the sounds of “blasts and war,” according to AP.Iranian state television aired footage of heavily damaged buildings in the capital, with rescue workers digging through rubble in search of survivors.
Israel calls it a months-long joint plan
Israel said the attack was a “broad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime” that had been planned for months with the US military.Prime Minister Netanyahu said the strikes were aimed at removing “an existential threat posed” by Iran.“Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands,” Netanyahu said.
Iran retaliates with drones and missiles
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had launched its “first wave” of drones and missiles at Israel, signalling that further attacks could follow.Explosions were heard in northern Israel shortly after the Israeli military said its air defence systems would be activated. Explosions were also reported in Damascus and Sidon in southern Lebanon, apparently as Israeli air defences intercepted Iranian missiles,reported AP. Iran’s foreign ministry responding to the joint US-Israel attack said that the country “will not hesitate” in its response to the strikes.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said: “The time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military assault.”There was no immediate information on casualties or damage in Israel.
US 5th Fleet facility in Bahrain targeted
Bahrain’s state news agency reported that the service centre of the US 5th Fleet had been subjected to a missile attack. Further details were awaited.
Embassies issue shelter advisories
US embassies and consulates in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Israel posted on social media that staff were told to shelter in place and recommended that all Americans “do the same until further notice.” The US embassy in Qatar issued a similar advisory. Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the forward headquarters of US central command, which houses thousands of American service members.
Regional airspace closures
Iraq closed its airspace following the strikes on neighbouring Iran. A spokesperson for Iraq’s transport ministry said the closure was preceded by the evacuation of all air traffic. Israel’s airports authority said the country’s airspace was completely closed, and flights en route were diverted to other airports. Passengers waiting for departures were sent back to various locations within Israel.
Nuclear and missile dispute at the core
Trump accused Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear programme and continue developing long-range missiles.Despite earlier US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict in June, Trump said Iran “attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing the long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland.”Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June but has blocked international inspectors from visiting bombed sites. Satellite images analysed by AP showed new activity at two of those sites, suggesting Tehran may be assessing or recovering material.
Massive US military build-up preceded the attack
Ahead of the strikes, the US significantly expanded its military presence in the Middle East. Aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R Ford, along with multiple guided-missile destroyers, were deployed to the region and the Mediterranean.The deployments added more than 10,000 US troops to the area. Hundreds of fighter jets and support aircraft were also sent, creating the infrastructure necessary for a sustained military operation.Trump had signalled frustration on Friday over stalled nuclear talks.“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” he told reporters. “They cannot have nuclear weapons.”Asked about a possible strike at the time, he said: “I’d rather not tell you.”
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