Local media reports strikes are hitting Iran nationwide
U.S. and Israel launch an attack on Iran, as U.S. President Donald Trump confirms ‘major combat operations’ are underway.
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The latest:
- Trump says U.S. has launched ‘major combat operations’ in Iran.
- 1st apparent strike hit near offices of Iran’s supreme leader.
- Multiple blasts heard in Tehran, with smoke rising from capital.
- Netanyahu says attack aimed at eliminating ‘existential threat.’
- Israeli military says air defences working to intercept incoming Iranian fire.
The U.S. and Israel launched an attack Saturday on Iran, with the first apparent strike happening near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In Tehran, multiple blasts were heard, while Iranian media reported strikes were happening nationwide.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a video posted on social media that the U.S. had begun “major combat operations in Iran.”
He claimed Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program and plans to develop missiles to reach U.S. and appealed to the Iranian people to “take over your government — it will be yours to take.”
Trump acknowledged that there could be American casualties following Iran strikes, saying “that often happens in war.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint attack was to “remove an existential threat posed” by Iran.
“Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands,” Netanyahu said.
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard says it responded by launching a “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel.
In Israel, the military said it had engaged its air defence systems to bring down retaliatory Iranian fire. However, explosions were reported in northern Israel.
In Bahrain, the state news agency says a missile attack targeted the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom.. The agency added it will give further details later.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei was in his offices at the time of the strike. He hasn’t been seen publicly in days as tensions with the United States have grown.
The attack comes as the United States has assembled a vast fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region to try to pressure Iran into a deal over its nuclear program.
The Israeli Energy Ministry has ordered the temporary shutdown of parts of the country’s natural gas reservoirs after Israel and the United States on Iran on Saturday.
The Leviathan gas field offshore Israel, operated by Chevron has been shut down, three sources told Reuters. Energean’s production vessel that serves several Israeli fields has also been shut down, the company said in a statement.
Israel’s ministry said the decision was based on “the current situation and in accordance with security assessments”.
It said country’s energy needs would be met through alternative sources and that the electricity sector was prepared to operate power stations using alternative fuels if necessary.
Chevron directed a request for comment to the ministry, which declined to specify which fields were affected.
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