West Palm Beach: The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, dramatically escalating tensions amid ongoing disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The first apparent strike was reported near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in central Tehran.
Iranian media reported strikes across the country, with smoke seen rising from parts of the capital. Witnesses in Tehran said they heard an initial blast near Khamenei’s compound, while further explosions followed across the city. Roads leading to the Supreme Leader’s complex were shut down by authorities.
In a video posted on social media, US President Donald Trump said the United States had begun “major combat operations in Iran.” It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei was present at his offices at the time of the strike. He has not appeared publicly in recent days as tensions with Washington intensified.
The attack comes as the US has deployed a substantial fleet of fighter jets and warships to the region in a bid to pressure Iran into agreeing to a deal constraining its nuclear activities. Trump has sought an agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear programme, viewing the current moment — marked by domestic unrest in Iran following nationwide protests — as an opportunity for leverage.
Iran has maintained that it has the right to enrich uranium and has resisted negotiations on other issues, including its long-range missile programme and support for armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
According to an official briefed on the operation, speaking on condition of anonymity, Israeli targets included Iranian military installations, intelligence sites and symbols of government authority. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation as intended “to remove threats,” without providing further details.
Sirens sounded across Israel as the country closed its airspace. The Israeli military said it had issued a “proactive alert” to prepare the public for the possibility of missile launches towards Israeli territory. Several hospitals in Israel activated emergency protocols, moving patients and surgeries to underground facilities.
Neighbouring Iraq shut its airspace, according to its Ministry of Transport. Iran also closed its airspace, and mobile phone services were cut as explosions continued to be reported in Tehran. Authorities have not yet released casualty figures.
It remains unclear whether Iran will retaliate immediately. However, Tehran has previously warned that any attack would make American military personnel and bases across the region legitimate targets.
The strikes mark a significant escalation in a long-simmering confrontation centred on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
(With PTI inputs)