The US and Israel have launched an operation against Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that Israel had launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran. Following this announcement, it was announced that the US was also involved in the operation.
According to Iran's official news agency IRNA, explosions were heard in the capital Tehran. Iranian media reported that explosions occurred at three different points in the center of the city and smoke was rising from two different points. Two more explosions were reported in the north of Tehran and explosions were also heard in the eastern and western regions.
In addition to Tehran, the Fars news agency reported explosions in Isfahan, Qom, Kerch, Tabriz and Kermanshah. Ministry buildings in southern Iran were also targeted, officials told Reuters.
The Israeli army announced that the operation against Iran has been named “Lion's Roar”.
FIRST STATEMENT FROM TRUMP: THE GOAL IS TO ELIMINATE THE THREAT FROM THE REGIME
US President Donald Trump officially announced the start of the operation with a post.
“Our goal is to protect the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said, adding, “Iran will never have nuclear weapons.”.
In his message, Trump said he was taking every precaution to minimize risks to US personnel in the region.
Addressing the Revolutionary Guards, Trump said, “Put down your weapons. You will be treated fairly with full immunity or you will face death.”.
AIRSPACE CLOSED, PHONE LINES CUT
While it was stated that Mehrabad Airport was targeted in the attacks, it was announced that Iranian airspace was closed to flights.
According to Iranian media, cell phone lines were cut in eastern and western parts of Tehran, while internet connection was weak in some areas.
It was reported that there were long queues at gas stations in the capital Tehran and many people started to leave the city.
THE US HAS ALSO BEGUN ATTACKING IRAN FROM THE AIR AND SEA
The American newspaper The New York Times has claimed that the United States has also begun attacking Iran. US officials confirmed the allegations and announced that the US was also involved in Israel's operation. The US strikes were carried out from the air and sea.
Officials from the Israeli Defense Ministry also said that Israel's operation in Iran was carried out in coordination with the United States.
“OPERATION PLANNED MONTHS AGO”
The second wave of attacks on Iran was reportedly planned months in advance and the launch date was set weeks ago.
Speaking to the American broadcaster CNN, US officials described the attack as “of a magnitude that cannot be underestimated”. It was reported that the attacks focused on military targets.
RETALIATION STATEMENT FROM IRAN
Ibrahim Azizi, the head of the National Security Council of Iran's Majlis, has warned of retaliation for Israel's attack. “Tehran is preparing to retaliate, our response will be devastating,” an Iranian official told Reuters.
ISRAEL BEGINS SECURITY MEASURES
The Israeli army said the sirens were activated as a warning to prepare the population for the possibility of an airstrike.
Schools across the country have been canceled and the army has begun urging people to stay indoors.
Iranian Foreign Ministry: ’We reserve the right to respond to aggressors at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner'
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a written statement on the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, pointing out that the attacks were carried out “on the eve of Nowruz and during the holy month of Ramadan” and that these actions violate Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The Iranian Armed Forces reserve the right to respond to the aggressors at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner,” the statement said.
ISRAEL CLOSES AIRSPACE
Following the decision to attack, Israel closed its airspace around 09.30 am. “The public is kindly requested not to come to the airports until further notice,” the Israeli Ministry of Transportation said in a statement.
The statement added that Israelis abroad are asked to “follow the instructions and recommendations of the National Security Council” and added: “As soon as the security situation allows, the airspace will be reopened and flights to and from Israel will resume. This will be announced 24 hours before the resumption of flights.”.
THE WHITE HOUSE STRATEGY OF “LET ISRAEL STRIKE FIRST”
Some White House officials have allegedly said that it would be politically advantageous for Israel to take the first step in a possible military strike against Iran.
It has been suggested that Iran would retaliate if Israel launched a pre-emptive strike, which would increase American public support for the US operation.
This strategy aims to make the war more acceptable to American voters through the scenario of an allied country being attacked.