Tehran and Tel Aviv — In a dramatic escalation that has plunged the Middle East into a state of open warfare, the United States and Israel launched coordinated “preemptive” strikes across Iran early Saturday morning. US President Donald Trump confirmed the start of “major combat operations,” stating the mission’s goal is to permanently dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure.
The offensive began around 8:15 a.m. local time, with massive explosions rocking Tehran, Isfahan, and several other Iranian cities. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the assault as a “preventative” measure to neutralize imminent threats to the Jewish state.
Coordinated Air and Sea Assault
Reports indicate that the strikes targeted “symbols of government,” military installations, and ballistic missile sites. Smoke was seen rising from central Tehran, with some reports suggesting impacts near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While Iranian state media claimed President Masoud Pezeshkian is “safe and sound,” sources told Reuters that the 86-year-old Khamenei has been moved to a secure, undisclosed location.
In a video address, President Trump urged the Iranian people to “take over your government,” signaling that regime change may be a core objective of the ongoing operation. “We will ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon,” Trump vowed, adding that the US military would “raze their missile industry to the ground.”
Regional Lockdown and Retaliation
The fallout was immediate:
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- Airspace Closures: Israel, Iran, and Iraq have all closed their airspace to civilian flights.
- State of Emergency: Minister Katz declared a 48-hour national emergency in Israel as the IDF braces for “crushing” retaliation.
- Civilian Alert: Sirens sounded across Israel on Saturday morning—a day of rest for many—warning citizens to remain near bomb shelters.
Iranian officials have vowed a “crushing response,” with analysts warning of potential drone swarms or ballistic missile strikes targeting Israeli infrastructure and US bases in Iraq and Syria. As of midday Saturday, the region remains on a knife-edge, awaiting the next move in what has rapidly become the most significant military confrontation in the Middle East in decades.
