The United States and Israel launched a major joint assault on Iran early Saturday, targeting military and government sites, according to U.S. Officials. The strikes, which began in the early hours of the morning, represent a significant escalation of tensions between the nations and prompted an immediate vow of retaliation from Tehran.
President Donald Trump, in a video statement released shortly after the attacks commenced, stated the operation was intended to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” He described the Iranian leadership as a “vicious group of incredibly hard, terrible people.” Trump also indicated a willingness to give Iran nuclear talks “more time,” despite expressing dissatisfaction with their progress.
Initial reports indicate that the first strikes targeted a compound in downtown Tehran believed to house Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Sources briefed on the operation confirmed both leaders were specifically targeted. Simultaneously, strikes hit military installations across the country.
Iran responded swiftly, launching retaliatory strikes. U.S. Officials reported intercepting Iranian missiles targeting bases and allied nations in the region. The United Arab Emirates reported one civilian death as a result of these incoming strikes. Further waves of missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The scale of the operation has prompted concerns about a prolonged conflict. U.S. Officials have suggested the combat operations could last for days and President Trump acknowledged the possibility of American casualties. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted U.S. Bases in the region in response to the initial attacks.
Prior to the assault, President Trump reportedly notified some members of the “Gang of 8”—a bipartisan group of congressional leaders—about the impending action. The administration’s decision to proceed with the strikes follows weeks of military buildup and increasing rhetoric from Washington regarding Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities.
As of Saturday morning, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing reports of missile exchanges and heightened military activity throughout the Middle East. No statement has been released by the United Nations Security Council regarding the escalating conflict.
