TEHRAN: The United States and Israel have initiated a large-scale military offensive against Iran, according to Israeli defense officials on Saturday. In swift retaliation, Tehran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting major Israeli cities.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed it had begun the first wave of missile and drone strikes against Israel in response to the attacks, as reported by Tasnim news agency.
Israel’s military stated that air raid sirens were activated nationwide to prepare civilians for possible incoming missile fire from Iran.
“We have begun extensive military operations in Iran. We will eliminate the threat posed by the Iranian regime,” the US President said in a video address.
Israel’s Channel 12, citing a security source, reported that the ongoing strikes inside Iran are part of a coordinated US-Israel military operation.
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[4:20 PM] — Strikes hit Khamenei’s compound
Images published by The New York Times show damage to the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader in Tehran following US-Israeli air raids.
The joint strikes have pushed the Middle East into heightened conflict. President Donald Trump said the operation aims to remove security threats to the United States and could open the door for political change within Iran.
Oil-producing Gulf nations remain on alert amid fears of broader escalation. Israel confirmed that Iran responded by launching missiles toward its territory.
[3:48 PM] — Assassination bid unsuccessful
According to Israel’s Channel 15, preliminary assessments indicate that attempts to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were unsuccessful.
The Pentagon has named the first phase of the campaign “OPERATION EPIC FURY,” reportedly focusing primarily on senior Iranian leadership figures. Reuters cited sources saying Khamenei had been relocated to a secure site and was not present in Tehran at the time of the strikes.
[3:34 PM] — Russia reacts
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, criticized Washington’s actions, claiming previous US negotiations with Tehran were merely a pretext.
He accused President Trump of abandoning diplomacy and framed the crisis as a broader geopolitical test between the United States and Iran.
[3:32 PM] — School reportedly hit in Hormozgan
Iran’s Press TV reported that a girls’ elementary school in Minab County, Hormozgan province, was struck during Israeli attacks. Local officials said five students were killed.
[2:56 PM] — Explosions in Doha
A Reuters witness reported blasts in Doha, Qatar. The cause was not immediately confirmed.
Iran’s foreign minister warned that Tehran would target all US military installations in the region. Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported missile strikes on American bases in Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.
[2:48 PM] — Regional bases targeted
According to Iranian media, missile attacks targeted Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and the US naval facility in Bahrain. AFP also reported explosions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
[2:25 PM] — Israelis rush to shelters
Residents across Israel sought shelter as Iranian missiles were launched toward the country.
[2:09 PM] — Iran denies nuclear ambitions
Before the escalation, Iran repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons. President Pezeshkian rejected US accusations that Tehran was pursuing a bomb, insisting Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful.
At the UN Conference on Disarmament, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated that Iran would “never pursue nuclear weapons.”
[1:53 PM] — Tehran calls for calm
Iran’s Interior Ministry accused the “enemy” of violating international law and urged provincial authorities to mobilize resources and maintain public order, according to Tasnim.
[1:49 PM] — ‘OPERATION EPIC FURY’ confirmed
The Pentagon confirmed the strikes fall under “OPERATION EPIC FURY.”
President Trump stated:
“A short time ago, the US military initiated major combat operations in Iran.”
“Our objective is to eliminate imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime.”
“Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.”
“We will dismantle their missile capabilities and destroy their military infrastructure.”
[1:44 PM] — Missiles intercepted
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported intercepting incoming projectiles and instructed civilians to remain in protected areas. Authorities warned against sharing images or locations of impact sites.
Iran vowed a severe response against Israel and US bases across the Middle East.
[1:29 PM] — Blasts in northern Israel
Explosions were heard in northern Israel as air defense systems engaged Iranian missiles. No immediate casualties were reported.
[1:22 PM] — Missiles detected
The Israeli military confirmed detecting missiles launched from Iran and activating nationwide sirens. The Israeli Air Force is working to neutralize incoming threats.
[1:00 PM] — Targets in Tehran
Israeli strikes in Tehran reportedly hit:
- Ministry of Intelligence
- Ministry of Defence
- Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
- Parchin military complex
[12:48 PM] — Iranian president safe
Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian was unharmed.
[12:39 PM] — Trump statement
President Donald Trump declared the US had begun extensive operations aimed at removing threats from Iran.
[12:34 PM] — Tehran vows strong retaliation
An Iranian official told Reuters that Iran’s response would be decisive.
[12:25 PM] — Four-day assault planned
The New York Times reported that the initial phase of the strikes on Tehran could last four days.
[12:17 PM] — Multiple cities struck
Iranian media reported attacks in Qom, Khoramabad, Esfahan, and Tehran.
[12:15 PM] — Civilian casualties reported
Reports indicated civilians were affected by Israeli strikes in Tehran.
[12:05 PM] — Joint US-Israel operation
The The Wall Street Journal, citing a US official, reported American forces were directly involved in the strikes.
[12:00 PM] — Khamenei relocated
Reuters reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was not in Tehran at the time of the attack and had been moved to a secure location.
