The US and Israel announced on Saturday morning it had carried out airstrikes on Iran.
Here is a timeline of the attacks:
Months Earlier
The United States and Israel fought a 12-day war with Iran, significantly escalating regional tensions. Although open hostilities subsided, diplomatic friction and proxy confrontations persisted across the Middle East.
Tensions intensified amid stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. President Donald Trump has issued repeated warnings that the US would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. The US shortly began deploying additional fighter jets and naval assets to the region described as the largest American military mobilisation there since the Iraq War.
Latest Attacks
Trump signalled imminent military action in public remarks, describing planned operations as decisive and necessary to neutralise Iran’s missile infrastructure in his state of the union address early in the week.
Israel announced it had launched missile strikes against targets inside Iran on Saturday morning. Shortly after, US officials confirmed the attacks were a joint operation between Washington and Tel Aviv.
Strikes were reported in multiple Iranian locations, including: – Tehran (University Street, Jomhouri district, and areas near the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters)
– Near facilities associated with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
– Kermanshah
– Qom
– Tabriz
– Isfahan
– Ilam
– Karaj
– Lorestan province
The Associated Press reports at least one strike occurred near offices connected to Khamenei.
Later in the morning, Trump formally declared the beginning of what he termed “major combat operations,” stating the goal was to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities and military industry. He also warned Iran-aligned groups in the region would be targeted if they intervened.
Iran Retaliatory Strikes
Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward northern Israel. Air raid sirens were activated across several Israeli cities. The Israeli military confirmed interception efforts and defensive operations were underway.
Iranian parliamentary security officials threatened a “crushing” response. Iranian state media reported President Masoud Pezeshkian was unharmed. The whereabouts of Khamenei were not immediately confirmed, and security around his compound in Tehran was tightened.
Missile interceptions and air defence activity continue in Israel’s north. Casualty figures and damage assessments remain unclear on both sides. US officials suggest operations may expand depending on Iran’s response.
