The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, prompting missile retaliation from Tehran and sharply escalating regional tensions.
President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday that the United States is engaged in “major combat operations in Iran,” joining Israel in a coordinated military strike against the Islamic Republic. In video remarks posted to Truth Social, Trump said the action was aimed at eliminating imminent threats and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
“It’s been mass terror and we are not going to put up with it any longer,” Trump said, describing Iran’s leadership as “a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.” He reiterated that it has always been U.S. policy under his administration that “this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon.”
A U.S. official earlier confirmed American participation in what were described as preemptive strikes launched by Israel just after 9 a.m. local time. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency across the country, saying the operation was intended “to remove threats” against Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named his country’s mission “Operation Roaring Lion,” while the U.S. Department of War dubbed its involvement “Operation Epic Fury.” Officials said the operation had an “element of surprise,” though it was conducted in daylight. Analysts suggested the timing may have been intended to send a visible deterrent message to Tehran.
Initial reports indicated that the first apparent strike targeted an area near the offices and compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in downtown Tehran. Smoke was seen rising over the capital following explosions. It was not immediately clear whether Khamenei was present at the location during the strike. Military activity was reported in multiple locations across the country.
Iran responded hours later by launching missiles toward Israel. The Israel Defense Forces said the Israeli Air Force was working to intercept incoming projectiles and strike additional threats as needed. Sirens sounded in several areas across Israel as defense systems were activated.
While early reports suggested Iran’s initial retaliation appeared limited, regional tensions escalated sharply, raising concerns of broader conflict in the Middle East. Officials in Washington and Jerusalem have not ruled out further military action, and observers expect continued developments in the coming hours.