…US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran as Region Braces for Escalation
The United States and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes on targets inside Iran, triggering one of the most serious escalations in the region in recent years.
Explosions were reported in Tehran and other major cities early on Saturday, according to state media and eyewitness accounts. Israeli officials said the operation targeted military infrastructure and facilities linked to Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly moved to a secure location as the strikes unfolded. There has been no official confirmation of any harm to him.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks aimed at Israel, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Air raid sirens sounded in several Israeli cities, while airspace restrictions were introduced across parts of the Middle East.
Civilian life has been disrupted in multiple countries. Airlines cancelled flights and governments urged citizens to exercise caution. Oil markets reacted sharply amid concerns over supply disruptions.
World leaders have called for restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilise an already volatile region. The United Nations urged all sides to prioritise diplomacy to prevent a broader war.
The situation remains fluid, with casualty figures and the full extent of the damage still unclear.
