U.S., Israel Launch Joint Attack on Iran, Sparking Retaliation and Calls for Regime Change
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The United States and Israel launched a major joint attack on Iran Saturday, triggering retaliatory missile strikes from Tehran and escalating fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the commencement of “major combat operations” and directly appealed to the Iranian people to overthrow their government.
Explosions were reported across Iran, including in the capital, Tehran, as well as in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that “dozens of military sites” were targeted in the offensive.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the action as a “preemptive strike against the Islamic Republic,” aimed at “eliminating threats against the country of Israel.” The IDF confirmed that Iran has since launched missiles toward Israel, activating alerts and engaging in interception efforts. “At this hour, the Air Force is operating to intercept and strike in any location where it is required to remove that threat,” the IDF stated on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Trump, in an eight-minute video posted to his Truth Social account, called on members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and military to “lay down their arms or face certain death.” He directly urged the Iranian population to seize control of their government, proclaiming, “Your hour of freedom is at hand.” He added, “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations.”
The U.S. President framed the operation as a defense of American interests, citing “imminent threats” emanating from Iran and warning of potential American casualties. He vowed to “raze” Iran’s missile industry and “annihilate” its Navy, further stating the U.S. would ensure its proxies in the region “can no longer destabilize the region or the world.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel characterized the operation, dubbed “Roaring Lion,” as a joint U.S.-Israel effort to eliminate the “existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.” Netanyahu called on all segments of the Iranian population – Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Balochi and Ahwazis – to “rid themselves of the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peace-seeking Iran.”
The attacks follow months of escalating tensions, as Trump has pursued a deal to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East and threatened military action amid stalled negotiations. Indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran were held in Geneva on Thursday, with reports of some progress and plans for future discussions.
The extent of the damage and specific targets remain unclear. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
