The United States and Israel have carried out large-scale military strikes on Iran, with multiple explosions reported in Tehran and several other cities across the country.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces are directly involved, describing the campaign as “major combat operations.”
The escalation follows Israel’s announcement of what it termed a “pre-emptive” strike against Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Explosions Rock Tehran and Other Cities
Blasts were reported in central Tehran, including areas near University Street, Jomhouri Square, and Hassan Abad Square. Iranian media also cited explosions in the northern and eastern parts of the capital.
Beyond Tehran, Iranian outlets reported strikes in cities including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah. Smoke was seen rising over parts of the capital, according to images circulated by international media.
One reported target was located near offices associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Officials cited by international agencies said he was not in Tehran at the time and had been moved to a secure location.
Communication disruptions were reported in several parts of the capital, with temporary outages affecting mobile networks.
Trump Confirms US Role
In a video statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump confirmed that the United States was participating in the military operation.
He accused Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear programme and expand long-range missile capabilities that could threaten US forces and allies. Trump said Washington had sought a diplomatic resolution but claimed negotiations had failed to produce acceptable terms.
“We tried to make a deal,” he said, adding that the US intended to neutralise Iran’s missile capabilities.
The strikes come despite recent indirect talks between Washington and Tehran in Geneva, where both sides had previously indicated limited progress toward a nuclear agreement.
Israel Declares State of Emergency
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation was designed to eliminate threats to Israel’s security. He announced a nationwide state of emergency in anticipation of retaliation.
Air raid sirens sounded across Israel at approximately 08:15 local time, warning residents of the potential for incoming missile attacks. Israeli authorities subsequently closed the country’s airspace to civilian flights.
Iranian officials signalled that a forceful response was being prepared, though details of any counteraction remain unclear.
Cyber Attacks Target Iranian Media
Alongside the military escalation, Iranian state-linked news agencies and digital platforms reported cyber disruptions. Several major outlets, including the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) and other semi-official agencies, experienced access problems or temporary shutdowns, according to monitoring reports.
It remains unclear who was responsible for the cyber incidents, but they coincided with the military strikes.
Regional Fallout and Airspace Closures
The crisis has had immediate regional repercussions. Iran reportedly closed its airspace following the strikes. Iraq also suspended flights through its national airspace, while Israel halted civilian air traffic.
The US Embassy in Qatar instructed its personnel to shelter in place and advised American citizens to take similar precautions.
Risk of Wider Conflict
This marks the second direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran in less than a year, following last year’s brief but intense conflict.
Analysts warn that Iran’s weakened air defence systems and regional pressures may influence the scale and nature of its response.
While Israel views the operation as a strategic necessity, observers caution that the strikes could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts and increase the likelihood of prolonged instability across the Middle East.
With both sides preparing for possible retaliation, the region remains on high alert as the situation continues to unfold.
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