Written by John Gambrell, Konstantin Tropin, and Josh Bork
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – The United States and Israel launched attacks Saturday. Iranthe first apparent strike occurred near Supreme Leader Khamenei’s office.
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guards said it responded by launching a “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel. Meanwhile, Bahrain announced that a missile attack targeted the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters on the island.
As Iranian media reported nationwide airstrikes, President Donald Trump said in a video posted on social media that the United States had launched “a major combat operation in Iran.” He claimed that Iran continues its nuclear program and plans to develop missiles that can reach the United States, and urged Iranians to “take over your government – it will be yours.”
President Trump acknowledged that there could be American casualties after the Iranian attack, saying, “This is common in war.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint strikes were meant to “eliminate the existential threat” posed by Iran.
“Our joint operation will create conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands,” Netanyahu said.
A strike occurs near the supreme leader’s office.
It was not immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Ayatollah Khamenei was in the office at the time of the strike. He has not been seen in public in recent days amid rising tensions with the United States. The attack comes as the United States is building a vast fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region in an effort to put pressure on Iran. Agreement on nuclear program.
Iran says it hasn’t gotten richer since JuneHowever, it blocked international inspectors from visiting sites bombed by the United States during the then-Twelve Day War. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press New activity has been observed on two of these sitessuggesting that Iran is evaluating the material there and attempting the possibility of recovering it.
Iran currently has self-imposed limits on its ballistic missile program, limiting its range to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). This would include the entire Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe. There is no public evidence that Iran seeks to acquire intercontinental ballistic missiles, but the U.S. government has criticized Iran’s space program, saying it could one day be accepted.
Explosion rocks Israel
Iran has vowed to respond if attacked, including saying it would target U.S. military personnel and bases across the region. Hours after the attack on Iran, an explosion shook northern Israel as Israel tried to intercept an incoming Iranian missile.
The explosions came shortly after the Israeli military announced it would use air defense systems to put out fires in Iran. Damage and casualties from the ongoing attack have not been announced at this time.
Sirens also sounded in Jordan.
Several Israeli hospitals have begun emergency procedures, including moving patients and surgeries to underground facilities.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates closed its airspace.
Explosions heard in Tehran
The road to Khamenei’s residence in central Tehran had been blocked by authorities as other explosions rang out across the capital. Neighboring Iraq has closed its airspace, according to the Ministry of Transport.
Targets of the Israeli operation included Iranian military, government symbols and intelligence targets, said an official briefed on the operation, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss private information about the attack.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the attack was carried out “to eliminate the threat.” He did not immediately provide further details.
President Trump wants a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program and sees an opportunity while the country is in crisis. struggling at home and Growing opposition Continue nationwide protests. Iran had wanted to avoid war, but insisted it had the right to enrich uranium and did not want to discuss other issues, such as its long-range missile program and support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
In Tehran, witnesses heard the first explosion in Khamenei’s office. Iranian state television later reported on the explosion without specifying the cause.
More explosions occurred in the Iranian capital after Israel announced it was attacking Iran. Authorities have not provided information on casualties from the strike.
Meanwhile, Iran has closed its airspace and mobile phone service has been cut off.
A warning was issued to pilots as explosions echoed across Tehran.
Houthis vow to target Red Sea
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis will resume missile and drone attacks on Red Sea routes and Israel in support of Iran, two senior Houthi officials have vowed. They spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement from the Houthi leadership.
One of the officials said the rebels’ first attack could come as early as “tonight.”
The rebels halted attacks on the shipping lanes as part of an agreement with the Trump administration that also halted U.S. attacks on the Houthis. Attacks on Israel also ceased after a ceasefire in October halted large-scale fighting in Gaza.
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Tropin reported from Washington and Bork from West Palm Beach, Florida. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman and Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.