US and Israel Begin Major Military Strikes on Iran

The United States and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran following long-simmering tensions over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Explosions were reported in the Iranian capital Tehran and other urban centres on Saturday, with smoke observed rising over key districts as air raid sirens sounded and airspace closures were implemented.

US President Donald Trump confirmed in a video message that the United States had commenced “major combat operations” against Iran, saying the offensive aims to eliminate what Washington describes as “imminent threats” from the Iranian regime. Trump acknowledged that American forces may suffer casualties during the campaign and framed the action as necessary for long-term security. He also urged members of Iran’s armed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to surrender, warning that continued resistance could have “deadly consequences.”

The strikes followed earlier declarations by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz that Israel had initiated pre-emptive attacks against Iranian targets to counter perceived threats to Israeli security. Iranian media and witnesses reported multiple explosions in Tehran, drawing visible smoke over the city.

According to officials, the joint US-Israeli operation targeted military infrastructure, including ballistic missile systems and naval assets, reflecting a significant escalation in military engagement in the region. The offensive reportedly involved coordinated air and naval attacks, although details of all specific targets remain fluid as the situation develops.

In his address, Trump called on the Iranian people to rise against their government and seize control, portraying the offensive as a dual military and political effort to reshape Iran’s strategic posture. The strikes occurred after months of failed diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran and rising regional tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities and missile development.

Iranian authorities have not yet provided detailed casualty figures but have reported widespread disruption in communications and closures of national airspace. Sirens were also heard globally among allied nations, reflecting the grave escalation of hostilities. Several regional governments and international organisations have urged restraint and called for an immediate halt to hostilities.

The offensive marks one of the most significant military engagements in the Middle East in years, raising concerns about broader regional escalation and the potential for retaliatory actions by Iran and its allies. Analysts note that the situation remains fluid, with global diplomatic efforts expected to intensify as events unfold. [KNT]