The United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes against Iran early Saturday, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East and prompting emergency measures across Israel.
According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Israel launched what it described as a “preemptive strike” against Iran.
Shortly after, three US officials told CNN that American forces were also conducting strikes, with one official describing the operation as “not a small strike.” The officials said the attacks were ongoing.
An Israeli source told CNN the strike was coordinated with the United States, though it remains unclear whether it was a fully joint operation or a parallel effort.
The Israeli strike reportedly targeted ballistic missiles and missile launchers, which Israeli officials have long viewed as a significant threat.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, with images showing plumes of smoke rising over the Iranian capital. Iranian state television acknowledged the blasts but provided no further details on targets or casualties. At the time of reporting, the extent of damage and potential casualties remained unconfirmed.
In anticipation of retaliation, Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency.
The government warned of possible Iranian drone and ballistic missile attacks and activated nationwide alerts. Sirens sounded in multiple areas as citizens were urged to remain near shelters.
Israel’s Home Front Command ordered “essential activity only” across the country, prohibiting public gatherings, work and school attendance, except for what authorities described as exceptional sectors. The Transportation Ministry also announced the closure of Israeli airspace.
The strikes mark the second US attack on Iranian soil in less than a year. In June 2025, President Donald Trump ordered warplanes to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites, becoming the first American president in nearly 50 years to authorize a direct strike on Iran.
Tehran retaliated at the time by firing roughly a dozen short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Middle East. A ceasefire followed shortly thereafter.
In recent weeks, Trump had sent mixed signals over potential military action. While saying he preferred dialogue, he also confirmed that US military assets had been moved closer to the region. On January 22, he said the United States had “an armada” positioned near Iran “just in case,” while also stating that Iran wanted to negotiate.
Trump has repeatedly cited Iran’s domestic crackdown as justification for potential action. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that at least 5,520 protesters have been killed since anti-government demonstrations began in late December.
Iranian authorities put the death toll at 3,117, including civilians, security personnel and those labelled “terrorists.” CNN has reported it cannot independently verify those figures.
