Israel and the United States launched a joint preemptive strike on Iran early today, hitting cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. The operation, called Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the US, seeks to destroy Iran's missile stockpiles, halt its nuclear program, and weaken its leadership. President Donald Trump posted a video on Truth Social announcing US involvement, while Iranian forces responded by firing missiles at Gulf Arab states.
Key Takeaways
- Israel and the US struck multiple Iranian cities in a coordinated attack named Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury.
- Targets included military bases, missile sites, and areas near Iran's supreme leader's residence in Tehran.
- Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other Gulf states hosting US assets; one person died in Abu Dhabi.
- Trump called on Iran's Revolutionary Guard to surrender or face death, amid warnings of broader conflict.
Background
Tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US have built for months. Back in January, Trump voiced support for protests inside Iran against the government. He sent a big US naval group to the Middle East, with carriers like the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, plus destroyers. Officials laid out demands: Iran must stop enriching uranium forever, cut its missile program, and quit backing groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
But things heated up fast. On February 13, Trump said changing Iran's regime would help everyone. US planners talked about long operations, not quick hits, eyeing government buildings too. Then, on February 24, in his State of the Union speech, Trump accused Iran of pushing for nuclear bombs again. He called their missiles a danger to the US, Europe, and bases abroad. Peace talks in Oman seemed close on February 27. Oman's foreign minister said Iran agreed to drop all enriched uranium and let inspectors in fully. But that deal fell apart. Strikes came just one day later.
Israel has faced threats from Iran for years. Iranian leaders chant 'Death to Israel' and 'Death to America.' Israel sees Iran's nuclear push and missiles as a direct risk. Today's action marks a big step. It happened right before the Jewish holiday of Purim, which carries weight in Jewish history.
Key Details
Explosions rocked Tehran first. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the IDF led the initial wave. He called it a preemptive move to knock out threats. Strikes hit a Tehran district where Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei lives most times. That spot holds the presidential palace and National Security Council too. Seven missiles landed there.
US Role and Trump's Statement
US forces joined right away. A US official said strikes were underway. They hit military bases hard. Thousands of Iran's Revolutionary Guard died or got hurt, per reports. Bases in Bushehr took fire, though it's not clear if the nuclear plant there got hit bad. Trump made it clear: the goal is to smash Iran's missiles, stop nukes, and topple the rulers.
He posted a video on Truth Social. In it, he urged Guard members to drop weapons for safety. Don't, he said, and it's certain death. Israel declared an emergency. Sirens wail across the country. People head to shelters. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee told Americans there to act fast on alerts. Trump warned US lives could be lost.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke too.
"Israel and the United States launched strikes against Iran to remove the existential threat posed by the terror regime." – Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu pointed to 47 years of hate from Iran's leaders. He said they can't get nukes.
Iran didn't wait long to hit back. Missiles flew at Gulf states. Saudi Arabia slammed the attacks on neighbors. One man died in Abu Dhabi from a strike. Bahrain said a missile aimed at the US Navy's 5th Fleet base there. Other spots with US gear got targeted too. Saudi, UAE, Bahrain—all in the crosshairs.
Key Details on Retaliation
And the strikes keep going. Israel expects more from Iran. US bases in the region brace. Gulf leaders condemn Iran's moves. They host key US forces. One death so far. But numbers could rise. Iran's state media says thousands of their troops are down. Senior Guard officers among them. Damage reports trickle out. Tehran skies lit up. Smoke over bases. No word yet on Khamenei or top leaders.
Trump's video spread fast online. He framed it as protection. But critics inside the US worry it pulls America into war. Allies watch close. Europe stays quiet for now. Oman, who tried to broker peace, feels the sting.
What This Means
This preemptive strike on Iran changes the Middle East fast. Gulf states face direct fire now. They host US troops and ships. Bahrain's 5th Fleet base is key for Navy ops. A hit there ups the stakes. Saudi Arabia and others denounce Iran. They might join defenses or strikes.
For Israel, it's survival. Sirens blare. Emergency on. People shelter. But they got first blows in. US involvement means big resources. Carriers offshore. Planes overhead. Trump eyes regime change. That could spark chaos. Protests inside Iran might grow. Or crackdowns.
Oil prices will jump. Gulf routes at risk. Missiles over shipping lanes. Global markets feel it tomorrow. For details on US confirms strikes on Iran amid Israel emergency, see our coverage. And check US and Israel strike Iran, sparking panic in Tehran for street-level reports.
Iran's proxies could act. Hezbollah in Lebanon. Houthis in Yemen. Hamas remnants. Attacks on Israel or US spots likely. Trump demands end to that support. But strikes might fuel them more.
US at home splits. Some cheer strong action. Others fear endless war. Congress watches. No vote yet on funds or troops. Bases abroad on alert. Thousands of Americans there.
Long term? Nuclear talks dead. IAEA access off. Iran might rush bombs now. Or slow down. Depends on damage. Bushehr plant hit? That slows power and maybe weapons. Guard losses hurt command.
Gulf unity against Iran grows. Saudi leads denouncements. They build defenses. US ties tighten.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities did the US and Israel strike in Iran?
Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah saw the main hits. Military bases and leader districts topped the list.
Why did Trump post a video on Truth Social?
He announced US strikes, set goals like destroying missiles and toppling the regime, and called on Iran's Guard to surrender.
How did Iran respond to the strikes?
Iran fired missiles at Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other Gulf states with US bases. One death reported in Abu Dhabi so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities did the US and Israel strike in Iran?
Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah saw the main hits. Military bases and leader districts topped the list.
Why did Trump post a video on Truth Social?
He announced US strikes, set goals like destroying missiles and toppling the regime, and called on Iran’s Guard to surrender.
How did Iran respond to the strikes?
Iran fired missiles at Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other Gulf states with US bases. One death reported in Abu Dhabi so far.
