The United States and Israel on Saturday launched what President Donald Trump described as “major combat operations” against Iran, following the collapse of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva aimed at defusing escalating tensions.
In a video message shared on social media, Trump said the objective of the operation was to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats” from Iran. He reiterated that Iran would never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and stated that Washington intended to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities and dismantle its missile industry.
Earlier, Israel’s Defense Ministry said it had initiated a “preemptive” strike to remove what it called threats to Israeli security. Israeli officials did not immediately disclose operational details, but media reports indicated that strikes in Tehran occurred near the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Explosions were also reported in several Iranian cities, including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah and Ilam.
Missiles reportedly struck areas along University Street and the Jomhouri district in Tehran. Iranian authorities closed national airspace during the attacks, while mobile phone services were disrupted in parts of the capital.
In Israel, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency nationwide, warning of the possibility of immediate Iranian retaliation. Sirens were activated across the country, and Israel’s airspace was closed to civilian flights. The Israel Defense Forces suspended educational activities, public gatherings and non-essential workplace attendance.
Operations at Ben Gurion International Airport were halted, with authorities advising passengers not to travel to the airport. The Israeli Defense Ministry warned that missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory and civilians could follow.
The military escalation came shortly after nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Geneva on Thursday without a breakthrough. Diplomatic efforts had sought to prevent further deterioration of relations amid a substantial U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and mounting regional tensions.
There was no immediate official statement from Tehran detailing casualties or damage. Analysts warn that the developments mark a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran hostilities and raise concerns about a broader regional conflict if retaliatory measures materialize. — LORD
