World: US, Israel Launch Strikes on Iran

Explosions shook parts of Tehran on Saturday after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated military strikes on Iranian military and strategic installations, marking a sharp escalation in tensions across the Middle East.

Eyewitness footage showed plumes of smoke rising over central districts of the Iranian capital, including areas reportedly close to the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities shut down the city’s airspace as emergency services deployed across affected neighbourhoods. Security forces increased patrols while state media reported damage to key facilities.

United States President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes in an eight-minute address posted on Truth Social, describing the operation as a direct response to what he characterised as long-standing threats from Tehran.

“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating eminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world,” Trump said.

He framed the action as part of a broader campaign to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, insisting that Washington had exhausted diplomatic options.

“It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I'll say it again. They can never have a nuclear weapon,” he declared.

The President referenced a previous offensive, stating, “That is why in operation midnight hammer last June, we obliterated the regime's nuclear program at Foraux, Natans, and Isvahan.”

Trump accused Tehran of continuing to rebuild its nuclear capabilities and advancing long-range missile technology capable of threatening American forces and allies.

“Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas and could soon reach the American homeland,” he said.

He also cited historical incidents, including the 1979 hostage crisis, the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and more recent attacks attributed to Iranian-backed groups, to justify the strikes.

For these reasons, he said, “the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests.”

He outlined the intended scope of the campaign in stark terms: “We are going to destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We are going to annihilate their navy. We are going to ensure that the region's terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces.”

The President acknowledged the possibility of casualties, noting, “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war.”

In a direct message to Iranian security forces, he said, “To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or in the alternative, face certain death.”

He also addressed Iranian civilians: “Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere.”

The remarks concluded with an appeal for regime change, as he urged citizens to “take over your government” once operations conclude.

Iranian officials had not issued a comprehensive response at the time of filing this report, though regional observers warned that retaliatory action could follow, particularly through allied armed groups operating in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

The strikes come amid sustained international concern over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and its network of regional proxies. Analysts caution that the unfolding confrontation risks widening into a broader regional conflict with global security implications.

Airlines diverted flights from Iranian airspace on Saturday evening, while oil markets reacted nervously to the prospect of prolonged instability in the Gulf region.