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The United States and Israel launched an attack Saturday on Iran, with the first apparent strike occurring near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah
Ali Khamenei. Iranian media reported strikes nationwide, with smoke visible rising from the capital.
President Donald Trump announced in a video posted on social media that the U.S. had begun 'major combat operations in Iran,' asserting that Iran continues to develop its nuclear program and intends to create missiles capable of reaching the United States.The United Arab Emirates has closed its airspace due to the strikes, which will significantly impact global air travel as the country is home to major carriers, Emirates and Etihad.
Bahrain's state news agency reported that several facilities within the kingdom were hit as a result of 'an aggression' from outside, labeling the attack 'a flagrant violation of the kingdom’s sovereignty and security' and stating that emergency measures were being implemented.
In Qatar, mobile phone alerts urged citizens to take shelter, while in Kuwait, witnesses reported hearing sirens and explosions, although there was no immediate information regarding damage.
According to a Dutch intelligence firm, the strikes by Israel and the U.S. indicate 'shaping actions' aimed at degrading Iran's air defenses, suggesting the beginning of a broader military campaign.
Eric Schouten, CEO of Dyami security intelligence firm, noted that this appears to be less of a symbolic strike and more of an initial phase in a coordinated campaign to establish air superiority.
In Israel, the public was advised to stay close to shelters as sirens sounded throughout the morning, leading to empty streets and a shift in news broadcasts to bomb shelters.
Bahrain’s state news agency indicated that the service center of the U.S. 5th Fleet had been subjected to a missile attack, with more details to follow.
Israeli officials stated that the attack on Iran was a 'broad, coordinated, and joint operation' that had been planned for months with the U.S. military.
Explosions were reported in the skies over Syria and Lebanon, attributed to Israeli air defenses intercepting Iranian missiles, according to Associated Press journalists.
U.S. embassies in Qatar, the UAE, and Israel advised Americans to shelter in place, recommending that all citizens follow suit until further notice.
Iranian state television broadcasted footage showing heavily damaged buildings in Tehran, with rescuers searching for survivors amidst the rubble.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced the launch of its 'first wave' of drones and missiles targeting Israel, indicating plans for further attacks.
In Qatar, the U.S. Embassy instructed all personnel to shelter in place, highlighting that the country hosts a significant U.S. air base, which had previously been targeted by Iran.
Trump expressed frustration over the lack of satisfactory progress in negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities, emphasizing that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.
He noted a risk of prolonged conflict with Iran but refrained from detailing potential military actions.
Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen announced their intention to resume missile and drone attacks on shipping routes and Israel in support of Iran, with one official suggesting an attack could occur as soon as 'tonight.'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the joint operation with the U.S. aimed to eliminate the existential threat posed by Iran, encouraging the Iranian people to take control of their government.
Iran maintains a self-imposed limit on its ballistic missile range but has blocked international inspectors from visiting bombed nuclear sites, raising concerns about its nuclear ambitions.
As tensions escalated, the U.S. military presence in the Middle East reached significant levels, with numerous ships and aircraft deployed to the region in preparation for potential conflict.
Explosions were reported in northern Israel as the military worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles, with sirens also heard in Jordan.
Trump acknowledged the possibility of U.S. casualties in operations against Iran, stating that lives may be lost during the conflict.
In his announcement, Trump characterized the strikes as a necessary response to Iran's actions, urging Iranian officials to lay down their arms or face dire consequences.
Iraq's Ministry of Transport confirmed the closure of its airspace following the airstrikes on Iran, ensuring the safety of air traffic.
Trump reiterated the U.S. objective of eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, marking the commencement of major combat operations.
Sources confirmed U.S. participation in the strikes, though the full extent of involvement was not immediately clear.
Residents in Tehran reported hearing heavy explosions, indicating the intensity of the ongoing strikes.
The Israeli Airports Authority stated that Israel's airspace is completely closed, redirecting incoming flights to other airports.
