Israel launched a large-scale aerial assault on Iran early Saturday, with approximately 200 warplanes targeting around 500 objectives, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported. The operation, described by the IDF as the “largest” in its history, focused on targets in western and central Iran, specifically aiming at what they described as Iran’s missile arsenals and defense systems.
The attacks commenced in the morning and prompted widespread air raid sirens across Israel, placing the country on high alert. Simultaneously, Israel and Iran both closed their airspace to civilian flights.
The coordinated strikes were initiated following a period of escalating tensions, triggered by an earlier operation by Israel and the United States against strategic locations within Iran. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles and drones, targeting not only Israel but also U.S. Forces stationed in the region, including a direct hit on the U.S. 5th Fleet Naval Base in Bahrain.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he authorized a “major operation” against Iran, while Israeli aircraft and long-range U.S. Missiles targeted military installations in cities including Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz.
The attacks on Iran included a strike against an advanced “SA-65” air defense system in the Kirmanshah region, according to the IDF. Reports indicate that the official residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was struck, with satellite imagery showing significant damage to the compound, known as Beyt-e Rehbari. Iranian state media reported that two commanders were killed in the attacks. While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi stated that Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were, to his knowledge, still alive.
In retaliation, Iran declared that all bases involved in the attacks would be considered legitimate targets. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ismail Bekayi condemned the strikes as an “obvious crime” and called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The attacks have prompted international concern and calls for de-escalation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence, stating that the actions by the U.S., Israel, and Iran were “undermining international peace and security.” He urged all parties to return to the negotiating table.
Turkish Airlines (THY) has suspended flights to several countries in the region, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, citing the closure of airspace.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed “deep sorrow and concern” over the attacks on Iran, calling them “unacceptable.” He also condemned Iran’s subsequent missile attacks on Gulf countries, warning that the region risks being drawn into a “firestorm” if reason and diplomacy do not prevail.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Iran to halt its attacks on Israel and other allied nations, urging Tehran to cease its “destabilizing activities” and end violence against its own people.
Hizbullah, the Lebanese militant group, declared its solidarity with Iran and threatened a “heavy blow” against the U.S. And Israel, without specifying any immediate actions.
The White House confirmed that President Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone to discuss the situation.
Iraq has warned against being drawn into the conflict, following reports of air strikes in the southern part of the country that resulted in two deaths. Iraqi officials stated that their airspace and territory would not be used for attacks against Iran.
Tragically, reports emerged of a missile strike on a girls’ school in the Hormozgan province of Iran, resulting in at least 70 student deaths and 90 injuries.
Turkey’s embassy in Tehran issued a security warning to Turkish citizens in Iran, advising them to remain in secure areas and avoid military installations.
