US and Israel Launch Major Assault on Iran, Trump Declares War
The U.S. and Israel have initiated a large-scale military operation against Iran, with Trump claiming 'major combat operations' are underway. Tensions soar as the region braces for escalation.
The United States and Israel have launched a major military assault on Iran, with President Donald Trump declaring that 'major combat operations' are now underway. The attack comes after rising tensions in the region, with Iran reportedly launching retaliatory strikes towards Israel earlier today.
Sirens sounded across Israel at around 08:15 local time (06:15 GMT), alerting people of the threat of a possible missile attack. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that Iran had initiated strikes, prompting the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive.
In a televised address, President Trump stated that the U.S. and its allies had taken 'decisive action' to 'protect American lives and interests' in the region. He added that the operation aims to 'degrade Iran's military capabilities' and 'deter future aggression'.
The Pentagon has not yet provided detailed information about the scale and scope of the attacks, but U.S. defense officials have confirmed the involvement of American forces, including airstrikes and missile launches. Israeli officials have also acknowledged their participation, with the Israel Defense Forces claiming they have 'neutralized' several Iranian targets.
The escalation comes amid longstanding tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, with the Trump administration's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the imposition of crippling economic sanctions on Tehran. Iran has repeatedly threatened retaliation for U.S. and Israeli actions, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
As the situation remains fluid, world leaders have called for restraint and a de-escalation of hostilities. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged all parties to 'exercise maximum restraint' and 'avoid any actions that could escalate the situation'.
The latest developments have sent shockwaves across the globe, with concerns that the U.S.-Iran confrontation could spiral into a broader regional war. Analysts warn that the potential for miscalculation and unintended consequences is high, underscoring the critical need for diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis.
Source: BBC News
