Israel and U.S. Launch Operation Roaring Lion in Historic Strikes on Iran
JERUSALEM, Israel — In a coordinated military offensive unprecedented in scale, Israel and the United States initiated Operation Roaring Lion early Saturday, striking multiple military targets inside Iran. The operation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Tehran and its adversaries, as Iran faces what analysts describe as a critical test of regime survival.
Reports from Israeli military sources indicate that the opening wave of strikes targeted a compound linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with satellite imagery circulated by Israeli media showing damage consistent with a precision air assault. Among the casualties is believed to be Ali Shamkhani, a key adviser to Khamenei, whose death would represent a severe blow to the Iranian leadership.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) called up 70,000 reservists in response to Iran’s missile retaliation, which saw dozens of missiles launched against Israeli territory. The Home Front Command issued urgent advisories urging civilians to seek shelter and avoid sharing real-time locations of missile impacts to mitigate risks. Despite the intensity of the missile barrages, initial reports confirmed no significant damage or casualties inside Israel.
President Donald Trump condemned Iran’s role in fomenting regional instability in a video message released Saturday morning. He highlighted Tehran’s support for proxy groups across the Middle East, including Hamas, which was responsible for the deadly attacks on Israel on October 7, 2025, that claimed over 1,000 lives, including 46 Americans. Trump characterized the Iranian regime’s actions as “brutal, something like the world has never seen before.”
The operation reflects a strategic partnership between the U.S. and Israel, leveraging advanced military capabilities such as stealth fighters reportedly positioned in Israel to enable strikes on high-value targets deep within Iran. The U.S. Department of Defense has not publicly detailed the scope of its involvement but has confirmed participation in joint operations designed to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure.
International responses have been mixed, with Gulf states condemning Iran’s retaliatory strikes on their territories and expressing concern over the potential for broader regional conflict. The United Nations has called for restraint, urging all parties to avoid escalation. Meanwhile, Iran has called upon its allies to join the fight against what it terms “aggression” by the U.S. and Israel.
As the situation develops, the U.S. Department of State has authorized the departure of non-essential personnel from its embassy in Jerusalem, signaling heightened security concerns. The Department of Defense continues to monitor missile threats and has activated contingency plans to protect U.S. forces and interests in the region.
The operation’s name, Roaring Lion, evokes the ferocity of the joint offensive, which analysts say aims to dismantle Iran’s ability to project power through its missile and proxy networks. The strikes come amid stalled nuclear negotiations and increasing international pressure on Tehran.
Experts warn that the conflict could escalate further, with the potential for a broader Middle Eastern war if diplomatic efforts fail. The Central Intelligence Agency and other intelligence agencies are closely tracking developments, assessing the implications for U.S. national security and regional stability.
For now, the world watches as Iran confronts a profound challenge to its regime’s survival, with the consequences of Operation Roaring Lion likely to reverberate far beyond the immediate battlefield.
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