The United States and Israel have carried out strikes against targets in Iran after weeks of rising tensions and a significant U.S. military buildup in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the action in a video posted to his Truth Social account, saying “a short time ago the United States military began major combat operations in Iran.” He framed the objective as defending Americans by eliminating what he called imminent threats from the Iranian regime, which he described as “menacing” and dangerous to U.S. forces, bases and allies.
Trump said the U.S. had repeatedly sought a deal but that Iran “rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions.” He vowed to “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground,” and warned the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to “lay down your arms… or you will face certain death.” Addressing the Iranian people, he added, “your hour of freedom is at hand… when we are finished take over your government, it will be yours to take.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the operation as a preemptive move to neutralize threats to Israel and warned that a missile and drone attack on Israeli territory and civilians is expected imminently. Israel declared a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency, closed its airspace to passenger flights and activated civil defense protocols. Air raid sirens sounded across the country at about 8:15 a.m. local time, with the public urged to prepare to enter bomb shelters. Regional forces remain on high alert.
Iranian state media reported rocket fire in parts of Tehran and broadcast footage showing smoke after a blast; the extent of damage and any casualties has not been confirmed.
The strikes follow prolonged speculation about possible military action. Details remain limited and this is a developing story that may be updated as more information becomes available.