US and Israel launch joint Military strikes on Iran

The United States and Israel have launched a coordinated military attack on Iran, targeting multiple locations in and around the capital, Tehran, according to Iranian and international media reports.

Explosions were heard across Tehran, with several missiles striking areas including University Street and the Jomhouri district, Iran’s Fars news agency reported.

Thick smoke was seen rising over parts of the city, according to an Al Jazeera correspondent on the ground.

Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency also reported explosions in the northern Seyyed Khandan neighborhood.

Additional attacks were reported elsewhere in the country, including in the western province of Ilam, suggesting the operation extended beyond the capital.

US President Donald Trump said the joint military action was intended to “eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” In a statement, he announced that the US military had begun a “major combat operation in Iran,” emphasizing that the objective was to defend the American people.

An Israeli defense official told Reuters that the operation had been planned for months, with the launch date decided weeks ago, even as Washington and Tehran were engaged in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

According to US officials cited by Reuters, the attacks were carried out by both air and sea forces, with the US assembling a significant fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were aimed at removing what he described as an “existential threat” posed by Iran.

He praised Trump’s “historic leadership” and said joint US-Israeli action could create conditions for the Iranian people to determine their own future.

One reported target in Tehran was an area near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, Reuters reported that Khamenei was not in Tehran at the time and had been moved to a secure location.

Communications in parts of the capital were disrupted, with cellphone service reportedly down in several areas.

Iranian officials vowed a strong response. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was preparing a “crushing” retaliation and intended to “take revenge” on Israel.

Shortly after the initial strikes, explosions were reported in northern Israel as the Israeli military activated its air defense systems to intercept incoming Iranian missiles.

Air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel, and a state of emergency was declared.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.

Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights, and Iraq also shut its national airspace.

The US embassy in Qatar instructed personnel and American citizens to shelter in place.

Analysts say the attack may further escalate regional tensions and potentially derail ongoing diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear program.