The United States and Israel have carried out joint military strikes against Iran, marking the start of what US President Donald Trump has called “major combat operations.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel launched a “preemptive strike” early Saturday morning to “remove threats to the State of Israel.” Explosions were heard across Tehran and other Iranian cities, with smoke rising over the capital as reported by Iranian state media and international outlets.
President Trump, in a video posted on Truth Social, officially confirmed that the United States is actively involved in military strikes against Iran, describing them as “major combat operations” now in progress.
He stated: ”A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran to eliminate Iran’s missile capabilities, annihilate its navy, destroy its nuclear program, and address threats to US allies and interests.”
Trump warned that American lives may be lost but emphasized the strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear ambitions and long-range missiles.
The US military has dubbed the campaign Operation Epic Fury, targeting military and security sites in Iran. Sources indicate the strikes are expected to continue for several days, building on months of close US-Israeli coordination.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement saying, ”For 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has called for ‘Death to Israel’ and ‘Death to America.’ It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people. This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity. Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.”
In response, Iran has launched missiles toward Israel, prompting air raid sirens nationwide and interception efforts by Israeli defenses. A state of emergency has been declared in Israel, with civilian flights grounded.
This development follows heightened tensions, including a 12-day air conflict in June 2025 and repeated US-Israeli warnings over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities.
Diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s programs had stalled in recent weeks.
