The United States and Israel have struck multiple locations across Iran, including the capital, Tehran, in what US President Donald Trump described as “major combat operations.” The attacks follow negotiations between the US and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missiles programs, and arrive eight months after a 12-day war between the US and Israel against Iran.
What Happened?
Explosions were reported in Tehran around 9:27am (06:27 GMT), according to Iran’s Fars news agency. An Al Jazeera correspondent in western Tehran reported hearing two explosions, with videos circulating on social media showing smoke rising from various parts of the city. Israel announced the launch of missile strikes targeting locations within Iran.
A US official confirmed to Al Jazeera that the strikes were a joint military operation with Israel, following a significant US military buildup in the region – the largest since the Iraq War. Trump characterized the operation as “massive and ongoing.”
Where Were Targets Located?
Missiles struck University Street and the Jomhouri area in Tehran, near the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Fars. The Associated Press reported a strike near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Explosions were also reported in Tehran’s Seyyed Khandan area, as well as in the cities of Kermanshah, Qom, Tabriz, Isfahan, Ilam and Karaj, and in Lorestan province.
What Has Been the Response?
Iran retaliated by launching missiles towards northern Israel and at US military bases in the Middle East. Targets included Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, Al-Salem airbase in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates, and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Explosions were also reported in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and US bases in Jordan.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, threatened a “crushing” response, stating, “We warned you! Now you have started down a path whose end is no longer in your control.”
What Did Leaders Say?
Trump stated the aim of the US campaign was to “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground” and to “annihilate their navy.” He offered amnesty to Iranian military personnel who laid down their weapons, but warned of “certain death” for those who did not. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military operation “will continue as long as necessary,” calling the Israeli operation “Lion’s Roar.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stated aim of the US campaign?
The stated aim of the US campaign is to eliminate what Washington calls imminent threats from the Iranian government, including destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, targeting its navy, disrupting Iran-backed armed groups, and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
What was the situation before the attacks?
The attacks came amid negotiations between the US and Iran over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missiles programs, after weeks of mounting threats from Trump, and eight months after the US and Israel waged a 12-day war against Iran.
Where is Iran’s Supreme Leader?
It is not immediately clear where the 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is. He hasn’t been seen publicly in days as tensions with the United States have grown. Roads to his compound in Tehran were shut down during the blasts.
As this situation unfolds, what impact will these actions have on regional stability and the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran?
