A significant military escalation has erupted across the Middle East as combined forces from the United States and Israel initiated a large-scale offensive against multiple targets inside Iran. The attack, which commenced in the early hours of the morning, represents a dramatic intensification of long-standing geopolitical tensions.
According to correspondents from Middle East Eye, powerful explosions reverberated through Tehran shortly after 6:00 AM local time, with impacts reported in key areas including University Street, Jomhouri, and Seyyed Khandan districts. The assault extended beyond the capital, with additional blasts documented in Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, and the western Ilam province. Initial reports indicate structural collapses at several sites due to the intensity of the bombardments.
In a coordinated response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it had launched extensive missile and drone counterattacks against what it termed ‘the occupied territories’ of Israel. Air defense systems were activated in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa as projectiles entered Israeli airspace.
The conflict rapidly expanded beyond the initial bilateral engagement, with Iranian forces additionally striking targets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain came under missile attack, while Qatari defense authorities reported successfully intercepting all missiles directed at their nation.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivered an eight-minute address via Truth Social, announcing the commencement of ‘major combat operations in Iran.’ The President justified the military action by citing Iran’s nuclear program advancement and development of long-range missile capabilities, which he stated posed a direct threat to American troops, allied nations, and potentially the U.S. homeland. Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iranian military forces to surrender or ‘face certain death,’ while simultaneously encouraging the Iranian public to overthrow their government.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, explicitly stating the operation’s objective as regime change and calling on Iranian citizens to ‘throw off the yoke of tyranny.’ Both leaders framed their military campaign as creating conditions for political revolution within Iran.
Unconfirmed reports suggest Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been relocated to a secure location as the conflict continues to develop.