The United States and Israel launched a large-scale military offensive against Iran, triggering missile attacks across the Middle East.

The United States and Israel launched a military offensive against multiple targets inside Iran on Saturday, marking a dangerous escalation in long-standing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme, missile development, and regional influence. 

The operation involved air and missile strikes on sites in Tehran and other Iranian cities. Explosions and plumes of smoke were reported across Iran’s capital and other urban areas early Saturday morning.

U.S. and Israeli government statements framed the offensive as necessary to neutralise imminent threats posed by Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. 

U.S. President Donald Trump said the strikes aimed to defend the United States by dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities and reducing its ability to destabilise the region, while also urging Iranians to oppose their government. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as essential to eliminate what they called an “existential threat.”

Iran responded angrily, with officials vowing a “crushing response” and warning that retaliation against U.S. and Israeli interests would follow.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks towards Israel.

The IRGC also attacked four major United States bases in the Gulf, including in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, in retaliation for the attacks on Tehran.

The strikes triggered airspace closures, disrupted flights across the Middle East, and prompted diplomatic calls for restraint.