Israel and US Launch Tehran Strikes Targeting Iranian Military Sites as Iran Retaliates With Missiles; Global Flight Disrupted
Israel launched daylight airstrikes on Tehran on Saturday, targeting locations near offices associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a major escalation of tensions involving Israel, Iran and the United States, as Tehran responded with missile launches and regional security alerts forced civilians across Israel into protected shelters while global aviation and diplomatic activity were disrupted.
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| Image Source: Global Eye News |
It remained unclear whether the 86-year-old Supreme Leader was present at the targeted locations, and Iranian authorities later moved senior leadership figures to secure locations amid the unfolding crisis.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation as one conducted “to remove threats,” while Israeli authorities imposed emergency measures nationwide and shut civilian airspace in anticipation of retaliation.
The Israel Defense Forces issued proactive alerts instructing citizens to remain close to protected areas and avoid non-essential travel as sirens sounded across major cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Hospitals activated emergency protocols and public gatherings, schools and workplaces were suspended except for essential services. Explosions were also reported in northern Israel as air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles after Iran warned of a “crushing” response to the strikes.
United States President Donald Trump confirmed Washington’s participation, announcing that the U.S. had begun “major combat operations in Iran,” describing the objective as eliminating “imminent threats” linked to Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes.
In a video message, Trump said Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon,” adding that the United States had attempted negotiations but that Tehran “rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions.”
He acknowledged the risk of casualties, stating that “the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost,” while urging Iranians to “take over your government” once operations conclude.
Israeli officials named the offensive “Operation Lion’s Roar,” with reports indicating the strikes targeted military and intelligence infrastructure and were coordinated with Washington after months of planning.
The attacks followed heightened U.S. military deployments in the region, including aircraft carriers, fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers positioned to pressure Iran amid stalled nuclear negotiations.
The escalation comes months after a brief air war between Israel and Iran in June, during which both sides warned further confrontation was possible if Iran continued advancing its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
Iran responded by closing its airspace and issuing aviation warnings as additional explosions were reported across Tehran. Regional disruptions quickly spread beyond the battlefield: Iraq shut its airspace, while Israel halted civilian flights and diverted inbound aircraft.
Passengers at Tel Aviv airport, including travellers on an Air India flight bound for New Delhi, were instructed to abandon baggage and move to bomb shelters. Air India subsequently suspended operations on the route for a week pending security assessments.
Governments issued safety advisories as the conflict widened. India’s embassy in Tel Aviv urged nationals to exercise “utmost caution,” remain near designated shelters and strictly follow Israeli Home Front Command instructions, warning citizens to avoid non-essential travel and monitor official alerts. The embassy said it remained in close contact with local authorities and activated a 24-hour emergency helpline.
The strikes mark one of the most direct and visible confrontations between Israel and Iran to date, transforming a prolonged shadow conflict into open military engagement involving U.S. forces.
With missile exchanges underway, civilian restrictions expanding across the region and diplomatic channels under strain, the scale of casualties, operational objectives and prospects for de-escalation remain uncertain as military and political responses continue to unfold.
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