Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iran early Saturday, with Iranian state media reporting explosions in Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Karaj.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the objective of the operation was to remove the Ayatollah-led regime from power. Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi issued a similar statement, calling on Iranian military and police personnel to support anti-regime forces and depose the Islamic Republic.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has announced that American forces have launched “major combat operations” in Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions in West Asia after coordinated strikes by the US and Israel.
In a series of posts and a video message on Truth Social early Saturday, Trump described the campaign as “massive and ongoing”, saying it was aimed at preventing Iran from rebuilding its nuclear programme and threatening US national security.
Explosions were reported in multiple Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, following the strikes. Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency in anticipation of possible retaliation from Iran or allied groups in the region.
Trump said the US military operation would go beyond targeting nuclear infrastructure.
“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally obliterated. We are going to annihilate their navy,” he said.
He added that the campaign was intended to ensure that Iran “does not obtain a nuclear weapon” and to prevent what he described as Tehran’s “terrorist proxies” from destabilising the region or attacking American forces.
According to Trump, Iran had attempted to rebuild elements of its nuclear programme after a US bombing run in June targeting nuclear facilities. Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes.
Iranian state media said the country was preparing a “crushing response” to the attacks, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. There was no immediate official statement from Iran’s Supreme Leader or President, but security forces were reportedly placed on high alert.
The strikes come amid already heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with cross-border incidents and proxy conflicts intensifying in recent months.
In a highly unusual move, Trump directly addressed the Iranian people, urging them to “take over your government” once US operations conclude.
“For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight,” he said. “America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny.”
The comments are likely to fuel further controversy internationally, with critics expected to question whether Washington’s objectives extend beyond military deterrence to regime change.
The timing of the US-Israel attack has drawn attention in Israel, coming ahead of the Jewish festival of Purim. Before the festival, a passage known as Zachor from the Book of Deuteronomy is read, recalling the ancient Israelites’ battle against Amalek — regarded in Jewish tradition as an archetypal enemy.
Analysts say the symbolic resonance may further intensify the political and religious undertones of the current confrontation.
Global markets and diplomatic channels are bracing for further escalation in a region already fraught with instability.