Ask Onix
Joint US-Israeli strikes target Iran amid rising tensions
Explosions rocked multiple Iranian cities early Saturday after the United States and Israel launched coordinated military operations, prompting immediate retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. The strikes follow weeks of escalating rhetoric over Iran's nuclear program and regional security.
Timeline of attacks
At approximately 09:30 local time (06:00 GMT), Iranian state media reported explosions in Tehran, with smoke visible over Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square. Similar blasts were heard in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Social media footage showed panicked crowds near impact sites, though casualty figures remain unverified.
A local official told Iranian media that an Israeli strike on a girls' primary school in Minab killed at least 53 people, though the BBC has not confirmed the claim. Iran's airspace was subsequently closed, according to Tasnim News Agency.
US and Israeli statements
President Donald Trump announced the US had begun "major combat operations" in Iran, framing the strikes as a preemptive measure to neutralize "imminent threats" from Tehran. In a Truth Social video, he urged Iranians to shelter in place and later suggested they "take over your government" after the operation concludes.
"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take."
US President Donald Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump's call for regime change, thanking the US and urging Iranians to "throw off the yoke of tyranny." Israel's defense minister declared a "special and permanent state of emergency" nationwide, while the military reported intercepting Iranian missiles targeting Israeli territory.
Iran's response and regional fallout
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as "wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate," vowing to use "all defensive capabilities" in self-defense. Tehran launched retaliatory strikes at Israel and US-aligned sites, including Bahrain's US Navy 5th Fleet headquarters and Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base.
Regional allies reported intercepting Iranian missiles: Jordan destroyed two projectiles targeting its territory, while Kuwait neutralized multiple ballistic missiles aimed at the Ali Al-Salem airbase. The UAE confirmed one fatality from falling debris after intercepting attacks, and Saudi Arabia condemned Iran's "blatant aggression."
Global reactions and travel disruptions
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk decried the "military strikes" and urged de-escalation, warning civilians would bear the brunt of the violence. The EU's Kaja Kallas called the situation "perilous," while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined France and Germany in condemning Iran's retaliatory strikes and demanding a negotiated solution.
Air travel chaos unfolded as Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights. Major carriers-including British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa-suspended routes to Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Amman. Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait halted flights to Iran, while the UAE temporarily restricted airspace access.
Diplomatic efforts and next steps
A UN Security Council emergency meeting is scheduled for 21:00 GMT. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who mediated recent US-Iran nuclear talks, criticized the strikes as counterproductive, while Russia labeled the operation a "reckless move" undermining regional stability.
Australia's Anthony Albanese voiced support for the US's stated goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while Italy's Giorgia Meloni pledged to consult allies on tension-reduction efforts. The UK Foreign Office updated travel advisories for eight Middle Eastern countries, urging vigilance and shelter compliance.
