US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran as Trump Declares Major Combat Operations
Explosions reported across Tehran, Isfahan and other cities as Israel declares state of emergency and sirens sound nationwide
The assault began Saturday morning with thick smoke rising from downtown Tehran, with reports indicating strikes near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reuters reported long queues at petrol stations across the capital as residents attempted to flee the city, while unnamed Iranian officials confirmed several government ministries in southern Tehran had been targeted.
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency and sounded air raid sirens to prepare the public for possible retaliatory missile launches. The Financial Times reported the assault follows weeks of escalating tensions as the Trump administration sought to pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs updated its Smartraveller advice, warning of an "extremely volatile" situation and alerting travellers to the risk of "reprisal attacks and further escalation" across the Middle East, along with potential flight cancellations in the region. This follows Australia's earlier evacuation of diplomats' families from the region as tensions mounted.
The BBC's Jon Donnison reported from Jerusalem that the strikes had been anticipated for weeks, while NPR confirmed explosions in Tehran and air raid sirens sounding across Israel with warnings that further missile and drone attacks could be imminent.
Analysis
Why This Matters
This represents a dramatic escalation in the Middle East conflict, with the United States directly participating in strikes on Iranian soil — going beyond the June 2025 strikes that targeted three nuclear facilities. The involvement of US forces alongside Israel signals a coordinated campaign rather than a unilateral Israeli operation.
Background
Tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran have been building for months. Israel faced missile interceptor shortages after the June 2025 conflict depleted stocks. Vice President Vance had previously insisted there was "no chance" of a drawn-out Middle East war even as Trump weighed further Iran strikes. US tech stocks were already heading for their worst month in nearly a year partly due to Iran fears.
Key Perspectives
The strikes are being described as "pre-emptive" by Israel, suggesting intelligence of an imminent Iranian threat. Iran's medium-range ballistic missiles have a range exceeding 1,200 miles, putting several American bases within striking distance — a risk experts had previously highlighted.
What to Watch
Iran's retaliatory response will be the immediate focus, with Israel already bracing for incoming missiles. Oil markets, global financial markets, and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz will face severe disruption. The conflict's expansion to include direct US military involvement raises the stakes for regional escalation involving Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other Iranian proxies.
Sources
- Strikes on Iran: We have been anticipating this for weeks
- Trump says US has begun major combat operations in Iran after Israel launches strikes
- Israel and the US launch strikes against Iran
- Australians warned that Iran attack increases risk of further escalation
- Israel attacks Iran live updates: US participating in strikes in Tehran
- Live news: Trump hails massive operation as US and Israel launch strikes on Iran
- This Is the System That Intercepted Irans Missiles Over the UAE