United States President Donald Trump has said that the joint US and Israeli military strikes on Iran are aimed at “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
“Short time ago, US military began major combat operation in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said in a statement.
The large scale strikes come amid rapidly rising tensions in the region, with explosions reported in several Iranian cities and airspace closures across multiple countries.
Explosions Reported Across Iran, Airspace Shut
Iranian media said attacks were taking place nationwide as Israel launched airstrikes targeting what it described as regime and military sites. Loud blasts were heard in Tehran early Saturday, according to AFP journalists on the ground, who also saw thick smoke rising over parts of the capital.
The Fars news agency reported that the nature of the explosions suggested missile strikes, though it did not immediately provide further details.
Blasts were also reported in Isfahan and other cities, according to local outlets.
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation announced that the country’s airspace has been closed until further notice. “The airspace of the entire country is closed until further notice,” a spokesperson said, as quoted by Tasnim news agency.
Mobile phone services were also cut across the country following the strikes, raising concerns about communication disruptions during the crisis.
Iran’s Health Ministry spokesperson said hospitals across the country have been placed on high alert.
State news agency IRNA, quoting a source in the presidential office, reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian remains unharmed.
Iran Prepares “Crushing” Retaliation
An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is preparing for retaliation and that the response would be “crushing.” The statement has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
In response to the unfolding situation, Iraq announced the closure of its airspace. The Iraq News Agency reported that the Ministry of Transport ordered the shutdown as a precautionary measure.
Israel also closed its airspace to civilian flights after announcing what it called “preventive strikes” on Iran. Transportation Minister Miri Regev ordered the head of the Israel Civil Aviation Authority to suspend civilian air traffic.
Warning sirens were sounded in Jerusalem and other parts of Israel amid fears of possible Iranian counterattacks.
Reports of Targeting Iranian Leadership
According to reporting from Washington, sources suggested that US involvement in the operation may have been aimed at “decapitating the Iranian regime.” The strikes were reportedly concentrated on areas where Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei may have been sheltering.
The intention, according to these sources, was to remove the head of the regime and assess the situation that follows.
However, some countries had cautioned the United States against such action. Diplomats reportedly questioned what the plan would be after any leadership removal, warning that there is no guarantee a pro US government would emerge in Iran.
Strikes Extend to Lebanon
In addition to the attacks on Iran, Israel carried out air strikes in parts of southern Lebanon, particularly in the Iqlim al Tuffah region.
Israeli officials said the strikes targeted what they believe to be strategic infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah, including rocket launchers and long range missile systems.
The recent escalation follows days of heightened military activity and growing diplomatic strain in the region.
