In a dramatic escalation of tensions in West Asia, US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, with explosions reported across multiple cities, including the capital, Tehran.
The first apparent strike in Tehran occurred near the offices of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, according to local reports. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over parts of the city, including areas along University Street and the Jomhouri district.
US president Donald Trump confirmed the operation in an eight-minute video message posted on social media, declaring that Washington had begun 'major combat operations in Iran'.
“The US military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent the present Iranian regime from threatening America and its core national security interests,” Mr Trump says. He described the strikes as aimed at eliminating 'imminent threats' and protecting US troops, overseas bases and allies.
"To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms, you will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death. Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it. No President was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a President who is giving you what you want. So let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force," the US president says.
Israel simultaneously confirmed it had launched what it described as a 'pre-emptive strike' against Iran.
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz announced 'an immediate state of emergency across the country', warning of possible retaliatory missile attacks from Iran or its regional allies.
“The State of Israel has launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” Mr Katz says.
Air raid sirens sounded across Israel as authorities activated emergency alert systems. The Israeli military said the measures were intended to ensure civilian safety in the event of incoming missile fire.
Witnesses in Tehran reported a powerful blast in the downtown area. Iranian media says strikes had taken place nationwide, though the scale of the damage and potential casualties remained unclear.
Iran responded by shutting down its airspace and issuing warnings to pilots. Mobile phone services in parts of the country are reportedly disrupted.
Multiple explosions are heard across the Iranian capital. Iraqi authorities also closed their airspace following the Israeli airstrikes on neighbouring Iran, reflecting fears of a broader regional spillover.
The developments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over a potential nuclear agreement and growing concerns of a wider military confrontation in the region.
The strikes mark one of the most serious direct confrontations between the US and Iran in recent years. The joint US–Israel action could significantly alter the strategic balance in West Asia, especially if Iran chooses to retaliate directly or through allied militias.
The fact that one of the initial reported strikes occurred near the offices of the Supreme Leader underscores the symbolic and political weight of the operation.
Meanwhile, amid the escalating security situation, the
Indian embassy in Tehran issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to exercise 'utmost caution', avoid unnecessary movement and remain indoors as far as possible.
Indian citizens are advised to monitor local news and await further guidance from the embassy.
Indian nationals were urged to avoid non-essential travel within Israel and to monitor emergency alerts. The embassy shared a 24×7 helpline for assistance.
With both Israel and Iran on high alert and US openly declaring combat operations, the region now braces for potential retaliation that could draw in additional actors.
The full extent of the strikes, the scale of damage inside Iran, and Tehran’s response are likely to determine whether the situation escalates into a prolonged military confrontation or stabilises after a limited exchange.
