US and Israel Launch Attack on Iran
According to reports from the Associated Press, witnesses in the Iranian capital, Tehran, reported hearing explosions. Iranian media stated that the Israeli strikes targeted the cities of Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah, in addition to the capital, Tehran.
Sirens were heard throughout Israel while the attacks continued. However, the Israeli Ministry of Defense informed citizens that there was no need to enter shelters at this stage. Israeli airspace has been closed.
Trump: It Will Be Large-Scale
US President Donald Trump spoke regarding the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, stating, "We have launched a major operation against Iran." Trump released a video statement regarding the attacks via his social media account.
"We have launched a major operation against Iran," Trump said, explaining the objective of the attack as follows:
"Our goal is to defend the American people by eliminating the threats from the Iranian regime—a brutal group of very tough, horrible people who engage in activities that directly threaten the United States, our troops at overseas bases, and our allies around the world."
Trump called on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Iranian armed forces, and police members to lay down their arms to obtain full immunity, saying, "Otherwise, you face death."
Emphasizing that US policy is centered on Iran not possessing nuclear weapons, Trump stated, "Iran can never have nuclear weapons. This is why, as part of 'Operation Midnight Hammer' held last June, we destroyed the regime's nuclear programs in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan."
Trump argued that they had repeatedly warned Iran regarding nuclear weapons following the operation in June 2025 and had tried to reach an agreement. Additionally, Trump characterized the military action in Iran as a "large-scale and ongoing" operation aimed at preventing the country from endangering the lives of US citizens.
According to unconfirmed reports in the Israeli press, one of the targets is the Iranian presidential building. Furthermore, it is stated that the strikes are targeting locations from which Iran could potentially attack Israel.
Retaliation Statement from Iran
Ebrahim Azizi, Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Council, announced that they would retaliate against the Israeli attack.
Israeli Military: Missiles Fired from Iran to Israel
The Israeli military announced that missiles were fired from Iran toward Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that defense systems were activated to intercept the missiles. Meanwhile, according to Al Jazeera, the sounds of explosions were heard in northern Israel.
"Nournews," known for its proximity to Iran’s security bureaucracy, reported that dozens of ballistic missiles were fired at Israel in response to the US and Israeli attacks.
"US Attack to Last Several Days"
Speaking to Reuters, a US official said the operation launched by the US and Israel is expected to last for several days.
