President Donald Trump confirms US military launches major combat operations against Iranian nuclear targets in Tehran

US and Israel Launch Coordinated Strikes on Iran.

The United States and Israel have carried out coordinated military strikes on Iran, marking a dramatic escalation after weeks of rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

President Donald Trump described the action as the start of “major combat operations,” while Israeli officials framed the move as a pre-emptive measure aimed at stopping what they see as an imminent threat.

Explosions were reported across several Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran, as well as Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah.

Images circulating online showed plumes of smoke rising over central Tehran, particularly around Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square.

At this stage, there is no confirmed information about casualties or the scale of damage.

Iran’s airspace has been shut down following the strikes, according to local media outlets.

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Sirens Sound Across Israel Amid Retaliation Fears

In Israel, warning sirens blared nationwide shortly after the strikes began, alerting residents to the possibility of retaliatory missile attacks from Iran.

Authorities instructed the public to avoid gatherings and limit movement to essential activities. Schools and many workplaces have been told to remain closed until at least Monday evening.

Israeli airspace has also been closed to civilian flights as a precautionary measure.

Earlier, Israel’s defence minister declared a “special and permanent state of emergency,” signalling that the country is preparing for potential escalation.

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Trump Confirms US Military Involvement

President Donald Trump publicly confirmed US participation through a video message posted on his social media platform. He said American forces had initiated large-scale combat operations, with the stated goal of neutralising what he described as immediate threats from the Iranian regime.

Trump emphasised that the mission was designed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In a direct appeal to the Iranian public, he urged civilians to remain indoors for safety and suggested that political change in Iran could follow the military action.

“Our objective is to defend the American people,” he said, while also framing the strikes as part of a broader effort to stop nuclear proliferation.

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Israel Calls It a Pre-Emptive Move

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump’s message, stating that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons capable of threatening global security.

He described the operation as a joint effort between Israel and the United States.

Netanyahu also addressed the Iranian population directly, calling on them to seek a “free and peaceful” future.

Israeli officials have repeatedly said the action was necessary to counter what they claim was an imminent danger tied to Iran’s nuclear activities.

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Background to the Escalation

The strikes follow weeks of increasingly tense negotiations and public threats surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. Diplomatic efforts had struggled to gain traction, with both Washington and Jerusalem expressing frustration over Tehran’s position.

The situation has now moved decisively from diplomacy to open military confrontation, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.

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Impact and Consequences

The immediate consequences include widespread disruption to air travel in both Iran and Israel and heightened fears of retaliation. The closure of airspace in two strategically important countries could affect regional aviation routes and international travel.

There are also serious geopolitical implications. Any Iranian retaliation—directly or through allied groups—could draw neighbouring countries into the conflict.

Oil markets are likely to react sharply, given Iran’s strategic position in global energy supply chains.

On the humanitarian front, uncertainty surrounds potential civilian casualties and infrastructure damage within Iran. International organisations are closely monitoring developments.

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What’s Next?

The next phase will likely depend on Iran’s response. Military analysts are watching closely for missile launches, cyberattacks, or action by regional proxy forces.

Diplomatic channels may attempt emergency talks to prevent further escalation, but for now, both sides appear to be bracing for a possible cycle of retaliatory strikes.

Global leaders are expected to issue statements in the coming hours, and the United Nations Security Council may convene an emergency session.

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Summary

The United States and Israel have launched coordinated strikes on Iran in what they describe as a move to eliminate imminent nuclear threats.

Explosions were reported across several Iranian cities, airspace has been closed in both countries, and Israeli authorities have declared a state of emergency.

With tensions already high, the world is now watching closely to see how Iran responds and whether the conflict will widen.

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Bulleted Takeaways

• The US and Israel carried out coordinated military strikes on Iran.
• Explosions were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah.
• Both Iranian and Israeli airspace have been closed.
• Israel declared a special state of emergency amid retaliation fears.
• President Trump said the aim is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
• The risk of regional escalation and global economic impact is high.
• The next critical development will be Iran’s response.