Israel, with the help of the United States, launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday, pushing the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation and further dimming hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West. The first apparent strike happened near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian media reported strikes nationwide.
Khamenei is reportedly not in Tehran and has been moved to a secure location, an official told Reuters.
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An Israeli defence official said the operation had been planned for months and the launch date was decided weeks ago.
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Iran strikes backJust moments after Israel’s strike, Iran hit back and launched missiles towards Israel. Explosions rocked northern Israel as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles.
The blasts echoed just after the Israeli military said it would be using its air defence systems to bring down the Iranian fire.There was no immediate word on any damage or casualties from the ongoing attack.
Several U.S. bases in Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain are under attack by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, signalling a sharp escalation in regional tensions involving the United States and Iran.
Trump confirms US involvementShortly after the attack, US President Donald Trump said that the United States had begun “major combat operations” in Iran. He warned that the US is going to destroy Iran’s missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground.
“We’re going to annihilate their navy,” he said in a strongly worded statement. Americans may be lost, and we may have casualties, he said, adding that Iran is developing long-range missiles that threaten the United States and other countries.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said in a video shared on social media.
Trump appealed to the Iranian people to “take over your government” after the strikes on Iran. He said, “It will be yours to take.”
The attack, coming after Israel and Iran engaged in a 12-day air war in June, follows repeated US-Israeli warnings that they would strike again if Iran pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
ALSO READ: Israel shuts airspace to civilian flights, urges public to avoid airports
Anthony Albanese said Australia supports U.S. actions aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and stopping it from continuing to threaten international security, underscoring allied backing as the crisis widens.
Tehran preparing to retaliateTehran is preparing for retaliation, with the response set to be crushing, an Iranian official told Reuters. The Islamic Republic has closed its airspace. In addition to this, trading at the Tehran Stock Exchange has been suspended, Iranian media reported. Mobile phone services have also been cut in Iran.Israel shuts airspace, schoolsThe Israel Airports Authority said the transport minister has closed Israeli airspace to civilian flights, adding that the public has been requested not to come to Israeli airports.
Sirens sounded across Israel. The Israeli military said that the “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel.”
The Israeli military said schools across Israel have been closed, the public has been advised to work from home, and public gatherings have been banned.
Indian Embassy issues advisoryThe Indian Embassy in Iran issued an advisory for its citizens, urging them to exercise “utmost caution” and “remain indoors as far as possible” amid the ongoing regional tensions.
“In view of the developing situation, all Indian nationals in Iran are advised to exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors as far as possible,” the embassy said in a post on X.
It further said that all the Indian nationals may also consider to monitor news, maintain social awareness and await any further guidance from the Embassy of india.
IndiGo, Air India operations affectedIndiGo said it is closely monitoring developments in the region concerning Iran and its airspace. The airline stressed that the safety and security of its customers and crew remain its top priority, and its teams are ready to make any necessary adjustments as the situation evolves. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before departure, and any updates will be communicated promptly via registered contact details. IndiGo added that it will continue to keep travelers informed and provide full support during this period.
Air India said flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv was diverted to Mumbai due to Israel airspace closure.
US-Iran negotiationsThe U.S. and Iran renewed negotiations in February in a bid to resolve the decades-long dispute through diplomacy and avert the threat of a military confrontation that could destabilise the region.
Israel, however, insisted that any U.S. deal with Iran must include the dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, not just stopping the enrichment process, and lobbied Washington to include restrictions on Iran’s missile programme in the talks.
Iran said it was prepared to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting sanctions but ruled out linking the issue to missiles.
Tehran also said it would defend itself against any attack.
It warned neighbouring countries hosting U.S. troops that it would retaliate against American bases if Washington struck Iran.
In June, the U.S. joined an Israeli military campaign against Iranian nuclear installations, in the most direct American military action ever against the Islamic Republic.
Tehran retaliated by launching missiles toward the U.S. Al Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest in the Middle East.
Western powers have warned that Iran’s ballistic missile project threatens regional stability and could deliver nuclear weapons if developed. Tehran denies seeking atomic bombs.