U.S. and Israel Strike Iran, Trump Issues First Statement — Iran Launches Retaliatory Missiles
Tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran. Shortly after the operation began, U.S. President Donald Trump released a video statement, while Iran responded with missile retaliation.
Explosions Rock Tehran
Multiple explosions were reported across Iran’s capital, Tehran, as the joint operation unfolded. Iranian media indicated that several key locations were targeted, triggering immediate nationwide security measures.
Israeli Defense Minister: “Preemptive Strike”
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel had launched what he described as a “preemptive strike” against Iran.
He also confirmed that a nationwide state of emergency had been declared in Israel, stating that the operation aims to eliminate threats directed at the country.
Trump: “We Launched a Major Operation”
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a social media video:
“We have launched a major operation against Iran.”
Trump stated the objective is to defend the American people by neutralizing threats from what he called a “brutal group” that directly endangers U.S. forces, overseas bases, and allies worldwide.
He reiterated Washington’s long-standing position that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons and claimed previous strikes had already targeted facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Trump also issued a stark warning to Iran’s military and security forces, urging them to lay down their weapons and promising immunity if they comply.
Iran Fires Retaliatory Missiles
Iranian media reported that Tehran launched missile retaliation toward Israel following the strikes. The Israeli military confirmed incoming missile fire and activated nationwide alerts.
Air raid sirens sounded across Israel, and emergency warnings were sent to mobile phones advising civilians to locate nearby shelters and avoid unnecessary travel.
Claims of High-Level Targets
Israeli media outlets suggested that senior Iranian officials may have been among the targets. Reports indicated that multiple government-linked sites in Tehran were struck, including areas near the presidential compound.
A second wave of attacks was also reported.
Cities Reportedly Hit
According to Iranian sources, the strikes targeted several cities, including:
- Tehran
- Isfahan
- Qom
- Karaj
- Kermanshah
Iran subsequently closed its airspace.
Internet Disruptions and School Closures
Internet disruptions were reported across Iran, with Israeli media alleging accompanying cyber operations. Iranian authorities also announced that schools would remain closed until further notice.
Iranian Warning: “You Started It”
Iran’s National Security Committee Chairman Ebrahim Azizi warned in a statement on X: “We warned you before — you started it, but the end will not be in your hands.”
Reuters: Supreme Leader Moved to Secure Location
According to Reuters, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is no longer in Tehran and has been moved to a secure location. Iranian media also reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian was not harmed in the attacks.
Israel Closes Airspace
Israel’s Transportation Ministry announced the country’s airspace has been closed and all civilian flights suspended. Security sources in Israel described the operation as a joint U.S.–Israel mission that had been planned for months, with the timing finalized weeks ago.
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