TEHRAN/JERUSALEM — In a dramatic escalation that has sent shockwaves across the globe, the United States and Israel launched a massive, coordinated “pre-emptive” military strike against the Islamic Republic of Iran early Saturday morning. The operation, which includes aerial bombardments and missile strikes across several Iranian cities, marks the beginning of what President Donald Trump has termed “major combat operations.”
At approximately 08:35 local time, the first explosions rocked downtown Tehran. Iranian state media and witnesses reported multiple missile impacts in the Republic (Jomhouri) area and near University Street. Plumes of thick black smoke were seen rising over the capital’s skyline as sirens blared throughout the city.
Reports indicate that the strikes were not limited to the capital. Explosions have also been confirmed in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah, targeting what Western intelligence describes as missile production facilities, nuclear infrastructure, and command centers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Trump Confirms U.S. Involvement: “Operation Epic Fury”
In an eight-minute video posted to his social media platform, Truth Social, President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States is officially engaged in the conflict.
“We are undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America,” Trump stated in the video. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
The President revealed the U.S. component of the assault is codenamed “Operation Epic Fury.” He called on the Iranian military to lay down their arms and urged Iranian citizens to “take over your government,” signaling that the objective may extend beyond military targets to regime change.
Israel Declares National State of Emergency
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz officially announced the commencement of the “pre-emptive” strike, citing intelligence of an “immediate and existential threat” from Tehran. Following the initial wave of strikes, Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency.
“The State of Israel has launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” Katz said in a televised address.
In Israel, the Home Front Command has ordered the closure of schools and non-essential workplaces. Air raid sirens have sounded across the country, not as a sign of incoming fire, but as a “proactive alert” to prepare the public for expected Iranian retaliation.
Regional Impact and Airspace Closures
The geopolitical landscape shifted instantly as both Israel and Iran closed their airspace to all civilian flights. Neighboring Iraq has also reportedly suspended flight operations.
Reports from Reuters suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was not in Tehran at the time of the strikes and has been moved to a “highly secure location” outside the capital.
This military action follows the collapse of high-stakes nuclear negotiations in Geneva just days ago. Tensions had reached a breaking point after U.S. officials accused Tehran of reviving its weapons-grade uranium enrichment programs despite repeated warnings.
As of noon ET, the Pentagon has confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups are actively participating in the operations, launching dozens of sorties into Iranian territory.
This is a rapidly developing story. The USA New Times will continue to provide live updates as more information becomes available.
