The United States and Israel have commenced coordinated major combat operations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, significantly escalating tensions in the Middle East. The joint strikes mark one of the most substantial military engagements involving Iran in decades, arising after prolonged diplomatic deadlocks and mounting mistrust between Tehran and Washington.
According to President Donald Trump, the offensive, which follows Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, aims to neutralise what his administration describes as imminent threats from Iran’s missile systems, naval forces, and strategic military infrastructure. Trump asserted that the U.S. will target Iranian missile capabilities and destroy key assets, including naval units, while warning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other Iranian forces to lay down arms or face “certain death.” In his address via social media, he acknowledged the potential for U.S. casualties in the course of the operations.
Trump’s announcement also included a direct appeal to the Iranian population, urging citizens to rise up and seize control of power from the current regime. He framed the operation as part of an effort to eliminate what he described as imminent threats to U.S. national security and to degrade Iran’s strategic capabilities.
The offensive, reportedly named Operation Lion’s Roar by Israeli authorities, involved coordinated air and missile strikes on multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran. Smoke plumes and explosions were observed over urban centres, and Iran’s government warned of severe retaliation. Israel declared a heightened state of alert, implemented civil defence preparations, and suspended public activities in some areas.
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This escalation comes after weeks of failed diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear and missiles programs, which the U.S. sought to curb through direct talks and diplomatic pressure. Following months of buildup of U.S. military assets in the region, including carrier strike groups, and repeated warnings from Washington about Iran’s strategic ambitions, full-scale combat operations were declared after Tehran reportedly refused to meet U.S. demands to halt its ballistic missile and nuclear activities.
At the time of reporting, details of casualties, the full extent of damage in Iran, and international reactions were still emerging. The situation remains highly fluid, with fears of wider regional escalation and possible retaliatory strikes from Iranian forces.
