U.S. and Israel Strike Iran, Escalating Middle East Tensions
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Saturday, targeting what Israeli sources described as key Iranian officials in a move aimed at disrupting the country’s leadership. The attacks, which began around 6 a.m. local time, represent a significant escalation in regional tensions and follow a period of heightened rhetoric between Washington and Tehran.
The mission, according to sources, focuses on “cutting off the head of the snake” – a reference to Iranian leadership – with the hope of triggering regime change. Initial reports suggest the strikes specifically targeted the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though his whereabouts remain unconfirmed. Rumors circulated regarding the fate of President Masoud Pezeshkian, but these remain unverified.
The strikes also reportedly targeted Iran’s defense minister, Amir Nasirzadeh, and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour, with sources indicating “very significant” harm to senior figures within the regime.
The action comes after President Donald Trump expressed increasing frustration with Iran’s continued rejection of U.S. demands to halt uranium enrichment and address concerns over its ballistic missile program. While Iran pledged not to build a nuclear weapon, negotiations – conducted indirectly through Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi – stalled without a breakthrough. Trump’s administration had previously signaled a “no deal” stance.
In response to the attacks, Iran launched retaliatory ballistic missile strikes targeting U.S. bases across the Middle East, including facilities in Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Sirens wailed across Israel as missiles and drones were intercepted. A person was reported killed in Abu Dhabi, UAE, after missiles were intercepted near the international airport.
The U.S. military deployed a significant force to the region, including 11 F-22 Raptors – America’s most advanced warplane – based on Israeli soil for the first time in a combat mission. Aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford were also positioned within range of Iranian targets.
The Israeli Defence Forces issued a public warning to Iranians near military and nuclear sites, urging them to evacuate for their safety.
The situation remains fluid and highly volatile. The attacks and counter-attacks mark the most serious confrontation between the U.S. and Iran in recent memory, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised its citizens in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE to seek shelter.
