The United States and Israel on Saturday carried out coordinated military strikes on Iran, sharply escalating tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and raising fears of a broader Middle East conflict.
Explosions were first reported near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in central Tehran. Iranian state media said multiple locations across the country were hit, with thick smoke billowing over parts of the capital, according to AFP.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the offensive in a video statement, announcing that American forces had launched what he described as “major combat operations in Iran.” He accused Tehran of continuing to advance its nuclear programme and pursuing long-range missile capabilities capable of threatening U.S. interests.
There was no immediate confirmation on whether Khamenei, 86, was inside his office at the time of the strike. The Iranian leader has not appeared publicly in recent days amid mounting tensions with Washington.
The strikes followed weeks of heightened military activity in the region, with the U.S. deploying additional fighter jets and naval forces in what officials described as a pressure campaign aimed at forcing Iran back into a comprehensive nuclear agreement.
An official familiar with the operation said Israeli targets included Iranian military facilities, intelligence centres and key government-linked sites. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the operation was intended “to remove threats,” but did not provide further details.
Blasts continued to reverberate across Tehran, prompting authorities to block roads leading to Khamenei’s compound. Iranian state television acknowledged the explosions but did not release casualty figures or damage assessments.
The crisis quickly rippled across the region. Iraq closed its airspace, while Iran halted flights and reportedly cut mobile phone services nationwide. In Israel, sirens sounded as the military warned of possible retaliatory missile fire. Hospitals activated emergency protocols, moving patients to underground shelters.
Tehran had earlier warned that any attack would trigger strikes on U.S. military personnel and bases across the Middle East. As of Saturday evening, there was no immediate confirmation of retaliation.
The assault comes against the backdrop of stalled nuclear negotiations. While Washington has sought stricter limits on Iran’s nuclear activities and missile development, Tehran insists it has the right to enrich uranium and has refused to negotiate over its ballistic missile programme or its support for regional armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
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