The United States and Israel have initiated a series of coordinated military strikes targeting multiple strategic locations within Iran, including the capital city of Tehran. This operation, described by US President Donald Trump as “major combat operations,” marks a significant escalation in the already tense relations between Tehran and Washington. The attacks are part of what Trump has termed a “massive and ongoing” campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s military infrastructure, nuclear development, and missile capabilities.
This latest offensive comes after months of stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve concerns over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. It also follows a previous 12-day conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran eight months ago, highlighting the fragile and volatile state of affairs in the region. President Trump had repeatedly issued warnings of impending military action should diplomatic channels fail to yield results, and these strikes appear to be the realization of those threats.
In retaliation, Iran responded by launching missile attacks targeting northern Israel and US military installations throughout the Gulf region. While casualty reports remain limited for now, initial accounts suggest that both sides have incurred losses, underscoring the dangerous potential for further escalation. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of a broader conflict looming over the Middle East.
The strikes began early in the morning, with Iran’s Fars news agency reporting a series of powerful explosions in Tehran around 9:27 am local time. Social media footage showed thick plumes of smoke rising from various parts of the capital, including University Street, the Jomhouri district, and areas near the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters. Explosions were also reported in northern Tehran’s Seyyed Khandan neighborhood, as well as in other major Iranian cities such as Kermanshah, Qom, Tabriz, Isfahan, Ilam, Karaj, and the Lorestan province.
A US official later confirmed that these strikes were part of a joint military operation conducted by American and Israeli forces. In the weeks leading up to the attacks, Washington had deployed a substantial fleet of fighter jets and naval vessels to the region, marking its largest military buildup there since the Iraq War. The Department of Defense subsequently named this campaign “Operation Epic Fury,” publicly acknowledging the offensive for the first time. The targeted sites reportedly included missile production facilities, critical military bases, and offices linked to Iran’s leadership. Notably, one of the strikes in Tehran occurred close to the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, signaling the high-profile nature of the operation.
President Trump outlined the objectives behind the strikes, emphasizing the need to eliminate imminent threats posed by Iran’s missile arsenal, neutralize its naval forces, and weaken Iran-backed militant groups operating throughout the region. He issued a stark ultimatum to Iranian military personnel, offering amnesty to those who surrender while warning that refusal to comply would result in “certain death.” Trump also acknowledged the possibility of US casualties during what he described as a “multiday operation.” Analysts interpret this campaign as an attempt not only to degrade Iran’s military capabilities but also to create conditions conducive to regime change in Tehran.
In a direct message to the Iranian people, Trump declared, “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” indicating that the strikes carry significant political implications beyond their immediate military goals.
Iran’s response was swift and forceful. Iranian forces launched missile attacks targeting northern Israel, triggering air-raid sirens and explosions in multiple locations. Additionally, missiles were fired at US-affiliated military bases across the Gulf, including Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, which hosts US Central Command forward elements, air forces, and special operations units. Other targets included Al-Salem airbase in Kuwait, Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE, the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and US bases in Jordan.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, issued a stern warning on social media, describing the Iranian response as “crushing” and cautioning that the path taken by the US and Israel was now beyond their control. Meanwhile, the whereabouts of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remain uncertain, as he has not been seen publicly for several days. Authorities closed roads leading to his compound in downtown Tehran amid the explosions. Iranian state media confirmed that President Masoud Pezeshkian was unharmed during the attacks.
On the Israeli front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the military operation, code-named “Lion’s Roar,” would continue “as long as necessary.” He defended the strikes as pre-emptive measures designed to counter threats posed by Iran’s missile program and its regional proxy forces, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to national security.
The ripple effects of these strikes have been felt across the Gulf region, home to significant US military installations and oil-rich monarchies. Explosions and air-raid sirens were reported in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and Manama. In Abu Dhabi, a civilian lost their life due to falling debris, the UAE Ministry of Defence. UAE officials stated that their air defense systems successfully intercepted several incoming Iranian missiles. Qatar also reported multiple blasts near the Al Udeid base and confirmed that missile attacks were repelled. Saudi Arabia reiterated its sovereign right to defend its territory and warned of taking “all necessary measures” to protect its citizens and residents.
International reactions have varied, with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi condemning the escalation and lamenting the undermining of Muscat-mediated negotiations. He urged Washington to avoid further escalation. Qatar described the Iranian missile attacks as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty but reserved the right to respond under international law. The UAE condemned the missile strikes, which reportedly resulted in the death of a Pakistani national, warning of “grave consequences” for repeated violations.
European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas described the situation as “perilous,” calling for the protection of civilians and strict adherence to international law. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the conflict’s potential to cause “grave consequences for international peace and security,” urging immediate de-escalation. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev criticized the US, labeling negotiations with Iran as a “cover operation.” Meanwhile, the United Kingdom reiterated its stance that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and affirmed its readiness to defend its interests. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for US efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and threatening global peace.
These developments come against a backdrop of long-standing tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, primarily centered on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, regional influence, and ballistic missile programs. Iran has consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons, while Israel remains the only Middle Eastern country known to possess such capabilities. Both Israel and the US have repeatedly warned that they would not hesitate to use force if Iran advances its nuclear program.
Recent diplomatic efforts, including negotiations mediated by Oman in Geneva, had shown some progress, with Iran reportedly agreeing to halt uranium stockpiling under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision. However, the combination of renewed military strikes and aggressive political messaging risks plunging the region into a wider conflict with far-reaching consequences for Middle Eastern stability and international security.
