Israel said it launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran on Saturday, with US forces also carrying out air and sea operations, according to American and Israeli officials.
The coordinated action has sharply escalated tensions in the Middle East and dimmed prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the attack aimed to remove “threats to the State of Israel,” describing it as a pre-emptive measure.
An Israeli defence official said the operation had been planned for months in coordination with Washington.
A US official confirmed to Reuters that American strikes were underway, conducted both by air and sea.
The developments follow repeated US-Israeli warnings that military action would resume if Iran continued advancing its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
Explosions in Tehran, Alerts in Israel
Explosions were reported in Tehran, with smoke seen rising over parts of the city. Iranian state media confirmed blasts, while sources said Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been moved to a secure location.
In Israel, sirens sounded across several مناطق, and authorities closed schools, workplaces (except essential services), and national airspace. Civilian flights were suspended, and the public was advised to avoid airports.
Iran Vows “Crushing” Response
An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was preparing retaliation, warning that the response would be “crushing.”
Iran has previously stated it would defend itself against any attack and had warned neighbouring countries hosting US forces that American bases could be targeted in the event of military action.
The escalation comes months after a 12-day air war between Israel and Iran in June and renewed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran earlier this year. Talks had focused on curbing Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
Israel has insisted that any agreement must dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure entirely and address its missile programme.
Iran, however, has ruled out linking missile restrictions to nuclear negotiations and denies seeking nuclear weapons.
Regional and Global Implications
The renewed confrontation raises fears of a broader regional conflict, particularly given the presence of US military bases across the Gulf and Iran’s previous missile response targeting the Al Udeid air base in Qatar.
Western powers argue Iran’s ballistic missile programme threatens regional stability, while Tehran maintains its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
Diplomatic observers warn that unless immediate de-escalation efforts succeed, the latest strikes could trigger a wider military confrontation across the Middle East.