By: Sunday Ameh
The United States and Israel have launched coordinated air strikes on Iran in what Israeli authorities described as a “pre-emptive” military operation targeting perceived security threats.
Initial reports suggested the strikes were carried out solely by Israel, but US media outlet Fox News later reported that American forces were actively participating, confirming the attacks as a joint US-Israeli mission.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the operation was aimed at removing threats against Israel’s national security.
Katz also declared a “special and permanent state of emergency” across Israel, warning citizens to prepare for possible retaliatory attacks from Iran involving drones and ballistic missiles.
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in Tehran, the country’s capital, shortly after the strikes began.
At least three blasts were heard in the downtown area, with reports indicating that missiles struck parts of the Republic district.
Additional explosions were later reported in northern and eastern sections of the city.
As of the time of filing this report, Iranian authorities had not released official details regarding casualties or the extent of damage caused by the attacks.
Fear of retaliation
In Israel, warning sirens sounded in several locations as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued what it described as a “proactive alert” to civilians.
Residents were advised to identify nearby shelters and avoid non-essential travel due to heightened security concerns. However, the military clarified that there was no immediate directive requiring civilians to remain inside shelters.
The IDF said the alert was intended to prepare the public for the possibility of missile strikes targeting Israeli territory.
Diplomatic tensions escalate
The strikes come amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme, aimed at preventing further escalation in the region.
Talks were expected to continue next week, although US President Donald Trump recently expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of progress despite reports suggesting Iran had made certain concessions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned about what he described as growing threats from Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and has opposed any agreement that addresses only nuclear issues without limiting Iran’s missile arsenal.
The latest development raises fears of a wider regional conflict, as global leaders monitor the situation for possible escalation.
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