The United States and Israel have launched major military strikes on Iran, sharply escalating tensions across the Middle East. US President Donald Trump announced the start of “major combat operations” shortly after explosions were reported in Tehran, including near offices linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Waves of missiles and drones were a result of Iran’s retaliation against Israel and the US military bases of the US in the region. There were reported explosions in several places, including Jerusalem, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, and Riyadh. Several Gulf countries closed their airspace as a precaution, while both Iran and Israel halted civilian flights.
The strikes followed stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. The Pentagon reportedly named the operation “Epic Fury.” Iranian officials warned of a “crushing retaliation,” saying no targets would be off limits.
Reports from Reuters indicate senior Iranian military figures may have been killed, though details remain unclear. The major concern is if conflict might extend into a larger war, and law enforcement bodies in the region are on high alert.
