TEL AVIV — The United States and Israel have carried out strikes against targets in Iran after weeks of rising tensions and a substantial U.S. military buildup in the region.
President Donald Trump said in a video posted to his social media account that U.S. forces had begun “major combat operations” in Iran. He framed the objective as protecting Americans by removing what he described as imminent threats from the Iranian regime, and said Washington had repeatedly sought a deal that Tehran declined to accept. Trump warned that the U.S. would target Iran’s missile capabilities and urged the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to disarm or face severe consequences. Speaking directly to Iranians, he suggested that the outcome could open the way for them to take control of their government.
The Israeli military reported that missiles had been launched toward Israeli territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the strikes as intended to eliminate what he called an existential threat posed by Iran’s government and said the coordinated action would help create conditions for the Iranian people to determine their own future.
A person briefed on the operation told NPR it was expected to last several days, with Israel concentrating on Iran’s missile program. In Israel, authorities declared a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency; air-raid sirens sounded across the country, commercial airspace was closed, and civil defense measures were put into effect. Military and regional forces have been placed on high alert.
Iranian state media reported rocket fire in parts of Tehran and aired footage showing smoke after an explosion; independent confirmation of damage or casualties was not available.
The strikes come after weeks of speculation about possible military action as U.S. forces accumulated in the Middle East. Details remain limited and the situation is still unfolding; further updates are expected as more information becomes available.