The United States and Israel launched a massive joint military offensive against Iran early Saturday morning . Dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by the Pentagon and “The Roar of the Lion” by the Israeli military, the coordinated US and Israel strikes on Iran targeted the nation’s military infrastructure, missile industry, and key leadership figures .
In a late-night video address shared on Truth Social, President Donald Trump announced the start of major combat operations . He stated the primary objectives are to dismantle Iran’s military capabilities, neutralize its navy, prevent the regime from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and stop terrorist proxies from destabilizing the region . Trump encouraged Iranian citizens to stay indoors during the bombardments and urged them to seize control of their government once the military action concludes .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement echoing the operation’s goals . He declared the joint effort is intended to eliminate the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime and allow the Iranian people to take charge of their future .
Strategic Targets and Immediate Retaliation
The initial wave of the US and Israel strikes on Iran targeted high-ranking political and military figures . Sources indicate the strikes hit near the residences and offices of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian in central Tehran . Additional bombardments struck military defense infrastructure and civilian sites across multiple cities, including Isfahan, which houses a major nuclear facility, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Tabriz .
Iran immediately retaliated by launching multiple barrages of ballistic missiles at Israel and several American military installations across the Middle East . Iranian state media and US officials confirmed missiles targeted bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia . Bahrain’s Ministry of the Interior ordered the evacuation of a neighborhood housing the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters after it was targeted .
As of early Saturday, a senior US official reported no injuries at American bases . However, the United Arab Emirates’ state-run news agency reported one person was killed by shrapnel from an Iranian missile in Abu Dhabi . In Israel, the military stated its defense systems intercepted incoming threats, with no significant hits reported . Meanwhile, an Iraqi militant group, Kata’ib Hezbollah, claimed two fighters died in an airstrike on a base in southern Iraq and vowed to attack American forces in response .
Diplomatic Fallout and Global Reactions
Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the joint military assault, calling it a gross violation of the nation’s territorial integrity and a blatant crime against international peace . Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted officials in neighboring Gulf states, warning them against allowing their territories to be used for US or Israeli operations .
The strikes occurred just as diplomatic efforts were making progress . Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who recently mediated indirect nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, expressed deep dismay . He stated a peace deal was within reach and warned the military action undermines global peace . Russia’s Foreign Ministry demanded an immediate halt to the bombings, labeling the offensive an unprovoked act of armed aggression . The European Union called for maximum restraint .
Reaction from international leaders varied . Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese voiced support for the operation to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons . Within the US, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham praised the strikes as essential . Conversely, Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego criticized the offensive as an illegal war . Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called the strikes a humanitarian intervention and urged Iran’s security forces to disarm and join citizens in toppling the government .
Travel Disruptions and Internet Blackout
The escalating conflict caused immediate disruptions . Israel, Iran, and Iraq closed their airspaces to civilian traffic, while Syria shut down flights along its southern border . Major international airlines, including United Airlines, Air France, and Lufthansa, quickly canceled or diverted flights heading to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and other regional destinations .
Inside Iran, citizens faced severe communication barriers . The monitoring organization NetBlocks reported the country experienced a near-total internet blackout on Saturday, with national connectivity plunging to just four percent of ordinary levels .
The Lead-Up to Operation Epic Fury
The massive operation commenced as a 10-day ultimatum issued by Trump to Iran expired . Prior to the strikes, the US executed a massive military buildup in the region, deploying two aircraft carriers, numerous destroyers, and dozens of warplanes .
Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated sharply following the Iranian government’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests in January, which reportedly resulted in at least 12,000 deaths . The US previously launched airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025 . Although recent nuclear negotiations in Geneva were described as productive, no formal agreement was finalized before combat operations began .
