In a major escalation in Middle East tensions, Israel and the United States on Saturday carried out coordinated daylight airstrikes on Tehran, targeting what Israel described as key military installations.
Multiple loud explosions were reported across the Iranian capital, including areas close to the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to AFP. Israeli officials stressed that the operation was a “preventive” and “pre-emptive” strike aimed solely at military threats.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the action was launched “to remove direct threats to the State of Israel,” while authorities in Tel Aviv emphasised that civilian targets were not the focus.
🔴 US Confirms Participation in Strikes
The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States actively participated in the strikes on Iran, marking one of the most direct joint military actions by Washington and Tel Aviv in recent years.
The operation came shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran, warning that his administration faced a “very big decision.” Trump reiterated that while he preferred a diplomatic resolution, military options remained firmly on the table.
🔴 Khamenei’s Location Unknown
There was immediate uncertainty over whether Ayatollah Khamenei was present at his Tehran offices at the time of the strikes. According to Reuters, the 86-year-old leader was not in Tehran and had reportedly been moved to a secure location prior to the attack.
Khamenei has not appeared publicly for several days as tensions with Washington and Tel Aviv intensified.
🔴 Israel Issues Nationwide Alerts
Following the strikes, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued emergency advisories, warning citizens to remain close to protected shelters.
Sirens were activated across Israel, including in Jerusalem, amid fears of potential missile retaliation from Iran.
“This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for possible missile launches toward the State of Israel,” the IDF said in a statement posted on X.
🔴 Israeli Airspace Closed
Amid the rapidly evolving security situation, Israel shut its airspace to all civilian flights. Transport Minister Miri Regev confirmed that the Israel Civil Aviation Authority had been instructed to suspend commercial air traffic until further notice.
🔎 Key Takeaway
The joint Israel–US strikes mark a dramatic escalation in the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, significantly raising fears of a wider regional conflict. With Iran yet to issue a full response, the situation remains volatile and under close international watch.
