The United States and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes on multiple locations across Iran, including the capital, Tehran, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions across the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump described the operation as a “massive and ongoing” campaign, warning that American casualties could occur as military actions continue over the coming days.
Explosions were reported early Saturday in several Iranian cities, with smoke seen rising near key government and intelligence facilities in Tehran. Sources indicated that both US and Israeli forces are preparing for sustained attacks expected to last several days.
Iranian authorities have shut down national airspace and ordered schools closed, while internet monitoring groups reported a near-total nationwide internet blackout amid the strikes.
Iran’s government has maintained that its nuclear programme is strictly civilian, but Washington and Tel Aviv accuse Tehran of attempting to rebuild nuclear capabilities following earlier attacks last year.
The US Department of Defense confirmed the joint campaign has been named Operation Epic Fury, while Israel announced its own military phase under the codename Roaring Lion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Iranians to rise against their leadership, saying the operation could create conditions for political change in Tehran.
Iranian state media reported that dozens of ballistic missiles were launched toward Israel in response to the strikes, signaling the beginning of possible direct military confrontation between both sides.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian was reported safe following the attacks, while officials warned the country was preparing what they described as a “crushing response.
The conflict quickly triggered wider regional alarm. The United Arab Emirates temporarily closed its airspace after explosions were reportedly heard in Abu Dhabi, while Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged restraint to prevent the country from being drawn into the conflict.
In a video message, Trump urged Iranian citizens to take over your government after military operations conclude, openly advocating regime change a move likely to further heighten geopolitical tensions.
The latest strikes come just one day after indirect nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, raising fears that diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions may have collapsed entirely.
