The United States and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes on Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in Middle East tensions, with US President Donald Trump confirming that “major combat operations” are now under way.
In a video statement released on Saturday, Trump said the military action was aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and long-range missiles capable of threatening American allies and US territory.
“We sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried,” Trump said, adding that US forces would target Iran’s missile capabilities and military infrastructure.
Explosions Reported Across Iran
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in several cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah. Witness accounts and images obtained by international media showed smoke rising over parts of the Iranian capital, particularly around Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square.
Iran’s state broadcaster confirmed strikes in Tehran, while reports indicated missiles struck locations in central areas of the city.
Israel Declares Emergency, Closes Airspace
Earlier, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel had launched a “pre-emptive attack” against Iran, declaring a nationwide state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory strikes.
Air raid sirens sounded across Israel at about 08:15 local time, warning residents of a possible missile response.
Israeli authorities subsequently closed the country’s airspace to civilian flights, urging citizens to avoid airports until further notice. Iranian media also reported that Iran shut its airspace following the attacks.
Amid the military escalation, several Iranian state-linked media outlets reportedly experienced cyber attacks.
According to local reports, major news platforms including IRNA and ISNA faced disruptions, while multiple Iranian news websites were inaccessible from abroad.
The cyber incidents suggest a parallel digital confrontation accompanying the military operations.
The strikes follow stalled nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Trump had earlier warned that the United States was prepared to act if Iran refused to meet American demands during ongoing talks mediated in Geneva.
US officials argue that Iran continued developing missile technology despite diplomatic efforts, a claim Tehran has repeatedly denied.
Analysts warn the latest escalation could trigger a broader regional conflict. Israel and Iran previously engaged in direct hostilities during a brief war last year, leaving regional air defences weakened and tensions unresolved.
Iran has vowed to respond forcefully to any attack, raising fears of retaliatory strikes across the Middle East.
International journalists continue to face restricted access to Iran, limiting independent verification of developments inside the country.
