A joint military operation launched by the United States and Israel against Iran commenced Saturday, targeting military and government sites across the country, officials confirmed. The strikes, described by President Donald Trump as “major combat operations,” follow weeks of escalating regional tensions.
An Israeli military official stated that the decision to initiate the strikes was prompted by intelligence indicating an acceleration of Iran’s ballistic missile program. The official, speaking to journalists Saturday, said the offensive aims to significantly reduce the capabilities of the Iranian regime. The official also noted that Iran’s government was actively working to conceal and fortify its nuclear program.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by President Trump, has already sparked threats of retaliation from Iran, with reports of incoming missiles and drones across the region, according to CNBC.
Even as the immediate focus is on dismantling Iran’s military capabilities, the strikes also come after a period of international scrutiny regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated in an interview with French network TF1 ten days ago that most of Iran’s enriched uranium remained intact following previous U.S. Strikes on nuclear facilities in June 2025. Though, Grossi indicated at the time that there was no evidence Iran was actively developing a nuclear weapon.
“No,” Grossi told TF1 when asked about evidence of Iran pursuing a weapon, adding, “On the contrary, I witness, today, a willingness on both sides to reach an agreement.” He emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement to prevent further military action, noting that the existing enriched material remained in place, albeit potentially less accessible.
Grossi was directly involved in indirect talks between U.S. And Iranian delegations in Geneva, Switzerland, last week, underscoring ongoing diplomatic efforts alongside the military operation.
The Israeli military official declined to comment on specific individuals targeted in the initial strikes, stating only that targets included both practical objectives to facilitate operational freedom and “essential personnel.” U.S. Officials have indicated the operation could last for days, and President Trump acknowledged the possibility of American casualties.
According to reports, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were among those targeted in the U.S.-Israeli attack, according to three sources briefed on the operation. As of Saturday afternoon, a U.S. Official reported no serious injuries to U.S. Personnel involved in the strikes. The IDF chief has stated they are “prepared and on high alert for a wide range of scenarios.”
Iran has reported a rising death toll, including 85 deaths reported in a strike on an elementary school, though independent verification of these figures remains unavailable.
