Local media reports strikes are underway across Iran
The United States and Israel have launched attacks on Iran as US President Donald Trump confirms a “large scale combat operation” is underway.
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President Trump said the United States had launched a “major combat operation” in Iran. The first apparent attack struck near the office of Iran’s supreme leader. Multiple explosions were heard in Tehran and smoke rose from the capital. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack was aimed at eliminating an “existential threat.” The Israeli military said its air defenses were operational to deter artillery fire from Iran.
The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Saturday, with the first apparent attack occurring near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s office.
Multiple explosions were heard in Tehran, and Iranian media reported strikes across the country.
US President Donald Trump said in a video posted on social media that the US had launched “a major combat operation in Iran.”
He claimed that Iran continues its nuclear program and plans to develop missiles that can reach the United States, and urged Iranians to “take over your government – it will be yours.”
President Trump acknowledged that there could be American casualties after the Iranian attack, saying, “This is common in war.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint strikes were meant to “eliminate the existential threat” posed by Iran.
“Our joint operation will create conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands,” Netanyahu said.
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guards said it responded by launching a “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel.
In Israel, the military said it had deployed air defense systems to suppress Iranian retaliatory fire. However, explosions were reported in northern Israel.
In Bahrain, the state news agency reported a missile attack targeting the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters on the island. The department added that more details would be announced later.
It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Ayatollah Khamenei was in the office at the time of the strike. He has not been seen in public in recent days amid rising tensions with the United States.
The attack came as the United States amassed a large fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region to press for a deal over Iran’s nuclear program.
Israel’s Energy Ministry on Saturday ordered the temporary closure of some of the country’s natural gas reservoirs following Israeli and US attacks on Iran.
The Leviathan gas field off the coast of Israel, operated by Chevron, has been shut down, three sources told Reuters. Enerjan’s production vessels, which service several oil fields in Israel, were also shut down, the company said in a statement.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the decision was “based on the current situation and security assessment.”
He said the country’s energy needs can be met by alternative sources and the power sector is ready to operate power plants using alternative fuels if necessary.
Chevron reached out to the department for comment, but it did not say which areas would be affected.
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