United States, Israel Launch Strikes on Iran as Trump Declares “Major Combat Operations”
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By: ATN News Team
New York/Dubai/Washington: — The United States and Israel launched major military strikes on Iran early Saturday, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East and pushing the region closer to a broader conflict. Explosions were reported across Tehran and other Iranian cities, including near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as smoke rose over parts of the capital, according to multiple reports and live updates from international media.
President Donald Trump confirmed the U.S. role in the operation, announcing that American forces had begun “major combat operations in Iran.” He said Washington had repeatedly attempted negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program but accused Tehran of refusing to abandon its ambitions.
Israeli officials described the attack as a pre-emptive operation aimed at neutralizing what they called an existential threat from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
Iran Responds
Iran’s government quickly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of its sovereignty and warning that its armed forces would respond with “all their might and resources.”
Within hours, Iranian missiles and drones reportedly targeted Israeli territory as well as U.S. military installations across the Gulf, including bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
Some missiles were intercepted, but explosions were reported in several locations and regional airspace disruptions followed as airlines suspended flights across parts of the Middle East.
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency and warned citizens to prepare for possible retaliatory strikes.
Region Braces for Wider War
The confrontation comes months after a brief but intense Israel-Iran air war last year and amid stalled diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear program.
U.S. embassies across the Middle East issued shelter-in-place advisories for American citizens, citing the risk of missile and drone attacks.
Iranian officials vowed a “crushing response,” signaling that both U.S. and Israeli assets in the region could be targeted if hostilities continue.
Why This Matters Now
Saturday’s strikes mark one of the most direct and significant military confrontations between Iran, Israel, and the United States in decades.
What began as a covert shadow war has now moved into open conflict. The immediate question facing diplomats and military planners alike is whether the current exchange remains limited — or becomes the opening chapter of a wider regional war.