Israel and the United States launched coordinated preemptive strikes against Iran on Saturday morning, escalating already high tensions in the region following deadly protests and warnings of possible U.S. intervention. President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces were involved in the operation, describing it as a major military effort aimed at eliminating what he called imminent threats posed by the Iranian government.
In a video statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said the United States was conducting “major combat operations in Iran” to protect Americans and prevent the Iranian regime from developing nuclear weapons. He characterized Iran’s leadership as dangerous and responsible for widespread terror. According to Trump, stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons has long been a central policy of the United States, particularly under his administration. He emphasized that the U.S. would not tolerate what he described as the regime’s “mass terror” and insisted that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. Reports indicate that the first wave of attacks targeted locations near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in downtown Tehran. Witnesses reported smoke rising across parts of the capital after explosions were heard early Saturday. It remains unclear whether Khamenei was present in the targeted area at the time of the strikes.
The U.S. government has named its military campaign “Operation Epic Fury,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel’s role in the joint operation is called “Operation Roaring Lion.” According to officials, the operation was coordinated between both countries. Iran has already begun responding to the attacks by launching missiles toward Israel. The Israel Defense Forces reported that the Israeli Air Force is actively intercepting incoming threats and conducting additional strikes when necessary. Air raid sirens sounded across multiple Israeli regions as defensive systems were activated. Officials say the operation included an element of surprise, though more military activity may follow as the situation continues to develop.
