The United States and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes on Iran, triggering explosions across Tehran and raising fears of a wider regional war.
Iranian media reported missile impacts in central districts of the capital, including areas near University Street and Jomhouri, with smoke seen rising over multiple neighborhoods.
Additional blasts were reported in northern Tehran and in western provinces, including Ilam.
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US President Donald Trump confirmed American involvement, describing the assault as a “major combat operation” aimed at eliminating what he called imminent threats from the Iranian regime.
He said the objective was to defend the American people and neutralize security risks.
Tehran signaled swift retaliation.
An Iranian official told Reuters the response would be “crushing,” while state television said Iran was preparing to “take revenge” on Israel with a “strong response.”
Soon after the strikes, explosions were heard in northern Israel as the Israeli military activated its air defense systems to intercept incoming Iranian missiles. Authorities declared a state of emergency, issued nationwide alerts and closed Israeli airspace to civilian flights. There were no immediate confirmed reports of casualties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was intended to remove an “existential threat” to Israel. He praised President Trump’s leadership and said the joint action could reshape regional dynamics. Israeli officials indicated the strikes had been planned for months.
One reported strike location in Tehran was near offices associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, though Iranian sources said he had been relocated to a secure site.
Communications disruptions were reported in parts of the capital following the blasts.
The escalation quickly rippled across the region. Iraq closed its airspace, and the US embassy in Qatar ordered personnel to shelter in place. The operation comes despite recent diplomatic contacts over Iran’s nuclear program, fueling speculation that the military action may have effectively ended any remaining negotiations.
With Iran promising retaliation and Israel bracing for further missile fire, the confrontation risks expanding beyond a limited exchange into a broader and potentially prolonged conflict one that could draw in regional actors and disrupt global energy markets.