The United States and Israel have launched a sweeping military assault on Iran, with explosions reported across Tehran and other cities, marking the most dramatic escalation in tensions after months of military buildup and diplomatic standoff.
President Donald Trump confirmed early Saturday that American forces had begun a “major combat operation” against Iran, saying the strikes were carried out to remove threats against the US.
“Short time ago, U.S. military began major combat operation in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said.
The Israeli military launched the first wave of attacks on Tehran before U.S. forces joined the operation. According to Iran’s Fars news agency, several missiles struck University Street and the Jomhouri area in central Tehran. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported additional explosions in the northern Seyyed Khandan district.
Explosions were also reported nationwide, including in Ilam province, Qom, Tabriz, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Khorramabad and Karaj. Tehran residents described two rounds of blasts focused on the Pasteur area of the capital, where the presidential office and the national security council are located. Ambulances were seen transporting wounded from affected areas.
One of the areas reportedly targeted was near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian sources said Khamenei was not in Tehran and had been moved to a secure undisclosed location. No assassination of any official has been confirmed, despite rumours that President Masud Pezeshkhian had been targeted.
The headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) was also struck, with reports of significant casualties, though no official figures were released.
Military Buildup
A U.S. official told Reuters that the attacks were being carried out by air and sea. The operation follows months of American military reinforcement in the region, including the deployment of aircraft carriers, fighter jets and warships aimed at pressuring Iran over its nuclear programme.
Trump framed the offensive as a decisive move against Iran’s military capabilities.
“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. We are going to annihilate their navy,” he said in a statement on Truth Social. He added that the US would ensure “that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.”
In a direct appeal to Iranians, Trump said: “Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed his nation, saying the joint operation would give Iranians the opportunity to overthrow their leadership.
“For 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has cried ‘Death to Israel’, ‘Death to America’. It spilled our blood, murdered many Americans and slaughtered its own people. We must not allow this murderous terrorist regime to arm itself with nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said.
“It’s time for all the people of Iran… to shed from themselves the burden of tyranny and bring forth a free and peace-seeking Iran.”
Iran vowed retaliation. An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was preparing a response that would be “crushing.” Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of Iran’s parliament national security commission, wrote on X: “We warned you, but now you have started down a path that is beyond your control.”
Shortly after the strikes began, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel.
“Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the IDF said. “Sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel.”
Explosions were heard in northern Israel as air defence systems intercepted incoming fire. Israel declared a state of emergency, closed its airspace to civilian flights and ordered schools and workplaces in Jerusalem shut until Monday, except for essential services.
Iran also closed its airspace and advised civilians on how to avoid bombings. Residents reported disruptions to cellphone service and internet access in Tehran as cyberattacks were also said to be underway.
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