US, Israel Launch “Unprovoked Strikes” on Iran; Tehran Retaliates as Explosions Rock Israel and Gulf States
The United States and Israel have carried out coordinated military strikes on Iran, triggering explosions across Tehran and other parts of the country, while retaliatory missile fire has struck northern Israel and several Gulf Arab states hosting American military assets.
Explosions were reported in multiple areas of the Iranian capital early Saturday, including University Street and the Jomhouri district, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency. Smoke was seen rising over parts of Tehran as blasts reverberated across the city. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency also reported explosions in the northern Seyyed Khandan neighbourhood.
Iranian authorities said the attacks targeted military and defence facilities, alongside some civilian infrastructure in various cities. Strikes were also reported in western Iran, including Ilam province. Israel’s military confirmed it had conducted operations in western parts of the country.
US President Donald Trump described the assault as a major combat operation aimed at neutralising what he called “imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” He said the objective was to defend American citizens and interests.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterised the offensive as necessary to remove an “existential threat,” praising what he termed joint US-Israeli action and lauding Washington’s support.
Iran Vows “Crushing” Response
Iranian officials swiftly signalled retaliation. A senior official told international media that Tehran was preparing a “crushing” response and warned that American and Israeli assets across the Middle East would be considered legitimate targets.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was reportedly moved to a secure location, according to international wire reports. One of the strike zones in Tehran was said to be near his offices.
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An Iranian official speaking to regional media declared that “there are no red lines after this aggression,” underscoring the potential for a widening confrontation.
Missiles Strike Israel, Gulf States
Shortly after the initial strikes, explosions were reported in northern Israel as the Israeli military activated its air defence systems to intercept incoming missiles. Sirens wailed across affected areas, and a state of emergency was declared. Israel’s Airports Authority temporarily closed the country’s airspace to civilian flights.
Beyond Israel, blasts were also reported in several Gulf states that host US military installations, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Iranian state-linked media confirmed that missile attacks targeted US military facilities in the region, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said it had successfully intercepted a number of projectiles targeting its territory following multiple warning alerts. In the United Arab Emirates, state media reported that one person was killed in Abu Dhabi after missiles were intercepted.
Escalation Amid Diplomatic Tensions
A US official confirmed that the operation was conducted jointly by American and Israeli forces, involving both air and sea assets. The United States has in recent months reinforced its military presence in the region, deploying additional fighter jets and warships amid tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to defence sources cited by international agencies, the strikes had been planned for months, with the timing decided weeks ago, even as diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran were ongoing.
Regional analysts warn that the unfolding confrontation risks drawing in additional states and further destabilising an already volatile Middle East. With both sides issuing stark warnings and demonstrating military reach, the prospect of broader escalation remains a significant concern.
