Israel attacks Iran; US participating in strikes on Tehran
Menna Alaa El-Din
Updated ,first published
US President Donald Trump announced the start of “major combat operations” in Iran, with Israel and the US carrying out numerous attacks on Iran.
“Our goal is to defend the American people by eliminating the imminent threats of the Iranian regime,” Trump said in the video he shared on social media.
He called the strikes a “noble mission,” saying the strikes were necessary because Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons and missile systems that could reach the United States.
Trump also called on Iranian officials to “put down your weapons” or “you will face certain death” and encouraged the Iranian people to “take over your government, it will be yours.”
Israel, together with the United States, launched a daylight attack on the Iranian capital Tehran on Saturday, as clouds of smoke rose from the center of the city.
The first apparent attack took place near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It was not immediately clear whether Khamenei, 86, was in his office at the time. He has not been seen in public for days as tensions with the United States have increased. A regime official told Reuters that Khamenei was not in Tehran and had been transferred to a safe location.
While other explosions were heard in the capital, the roads leading to Khamenei’s compound in downtown Tehran were closed by the authorities. The Ministry of Transport said neighboring Iraq had closed its airspace.
Targets in the Israeli operation included the Iranian military, government symbols and intelligence targets, according to an official with knowledge of the operation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic information about the attack.
Authorities did not report any casualties related to the attacks.
After the attack, Iran closed its airspace. The warning to pilots came when explosions were heard in Tehran.
Sirens sounded simultaneously throughout Israel. The Israeli army said “proactive alert”. [was] is to prepare the public for the possibility of missile launches against the state of Israel.”
It is not yet clear whether Iran will retaliate, but Iran has warned that US military personnel and bases spread across the region would be the target of any retaliation. He also warned neighboring countries hosting US troops that Washington would retaliate against US bases if it struck Iran.
Trump acknowledged in his video message that “we may have casualties” as a result of the military operation.
New York Times It was also reported that General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and one of Trump’s most trusted advisors, warned Trump that US soldiers could die if he attacked Iran.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the attack was carried out “to eliminate threats”. He did not explain in detail.
Many hospitals in Israel have implemented emergency protocols, including moving patients and surgeries to underground facilities.
The attack took place at a time when tensions are high between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program.
The United States and Iran renewed talks in February to resolve the decades-old dispute through diplomacy and avert the threat of a military conflict that could destabilize the region.
But Israel has insisted that any US deal with Iran must include the dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, not just halting its enrichment, and has lobbied Washington to include restrictions on Iran’s missile program in the talks.
Trump has wanted a deal to restrict Iran’s nuclear program and sees an opportunity as the country grapples with growing opposition in the wake of nationwide protests.
Iran had hoped to avoid a war but maintains it has the right to enrich uranium and does not want to discuss other issues such as its long-range missile program or support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
AP, Reuters, with staff correspondent
Read more about the US-Israel-Iran conflict:
Take a note directly from our foreign country reporters about things that make headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What’s on in the World Newsletter here.
