Washington, DC – In a surprise video address, US President Donald Trump announced that the US military had begun “large-scale” combat operations inside Iran. This came as Israel launched a “preemptive strike” that destroyed strategic targets and caused explosions that rocked the capital, Tehran. The explosions were also felt in several other provinces.
Trump: Iran will not have a nuclear weapon
In a strongly worded statement, President Trump asserted that the objective of these operations is “to eliminate the imminent threat posed by the Iranian regime and to protect the American people.” Trump explained that the operations target the “complete” destruction of Iran’s missile industry and the crippling of its navy.
He indicated that Tehran has exploited negotiations to rebuild its nuclear program and develop long-range missiles. These missiles threaten the security of the United States.
Trump emphasized that Washington will not allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon under any circumstances.
Israel: Preemptive strike and a state of full emergency
For his part, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that Israel had launched a preemptive strike to eliminate “immediate” threats, namely imminent missile and drone attacks.
Katz signed an order declaring a state of emergency throughout Israel. The Israeli public broadcaster Kan also announced the complete closure of Israeli airspace until further notice.
Sirens sounded across various regions, and early warning systems were activated on mobile phones.
The scene in Iran: Explosions in the capital and provinces
Field sources and news agencies (IRNA and Tasnim) reported a series of powerful explosions and plumes of smoke rising from several areas. The strikes targeted ministries in the south of the capital and included explosions in key squares in the city center.
Explosions were also reported in Tabriz, Lorestan, Kermanshah, and Khorramabad. Initial reports indicated that the strikes targeted a large number of military commanders and government officials.
These intense airstrikes have dashed hopes for a diplomatic solution. This is especially true as they come after a 12-day air war last June and just days after a round of negotiations in February. Observers believe the region is now on the brink of a full-blown regional war with unpredictable consequences.
