United States and Israel Launch Preemptive Strikes on Iran as President Trump Confirms Major Combat Operations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States joined Israel in launching preemptive military strikes against Iran early Saturday morning, with President Donald Trump confirming that “major combat operations” are underway. The coordinated attack, named “Operation Epic Fury” by the Pentagon, commenced just after 9 a.m. local time and focused primarily on key sites in Tehran, including the compound and main offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
President Trump addressed the nation via a video message posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.”
The strikes represent a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and military engagement in the region. According to the Department of Defense, the operation was meticulously planned in collaboration with Israeli forces to neutralize what officials described as imminent threats posed by Tehran’s regime.
Reports from the U.S. Department of State indicate that the initial assault targeted multiple strategic locations across Iran, with a particular emphasis on disrupting the leadership and command infrastructure of the Islamic Republic. Smoke was observed rising over Tehran’s skyline following explosions near the Supreme Leader’s compound, though it remains unconfirmed whether Ayatollah Khamenei was present during the strikes.
In response to the unfolding situation, the State Department authorized the departure of non-essential U.S. Embassy personnel in Jerusalem as a precautionary measure amid fears of potential retaliatory actions by Iran. The heightened alert underscores the volatile nature of the conflict and the risks to American diplomatic missions in the region.
Experts note that the timing of the attack during daylight hours sends a “strong message” of resolve and capability. Lt. Col. Darin Gaub, a military analyst, remarked that the daytime strike was intended to demonstrate the precision and confidence of the U.S.-Israeli coalition.
The operation follows months of escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities, which the U.S. and its allies have condemned as destabilizing. While diplomatic efforts have continued intermittently, the recent strikes mark a decisive turn toward direct military engagement. Analysts warn that this could be the beginning of a prolonged campaign aimed at dismantling Iran’s capacity to threaten U.S. interests and regional stability.
As the situation develops, the Central Intelligence Agency and other intelligence agencies are reportedly intensifying surveillance and assessment efforts to monitor Iran’s response and anticipate further escalations.
President Trump characterized the operation as “massive and ongoing,” emphasizing that the United States will no longer tolerate what he described as “mass terror” emanating from the Iranian regime. The administration has vowed to continue the campaign until the perceived threats are fully neutralized.
International reactions have been mixed, with some allies expressing support for the U.S.-Israeli action, while others call for restraint to avoid a wider conflict. The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of this confrontation and its implications for global security.
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