US and Israel Launch Pre-Emptive Attack On Iran

Israel announced a pre-emptive strike against Iran on Saturday, escalating tensions in the Middle East and diminishing prospects for a diplomatic resolution to Tehran's nuclear dispute with the West. The New York Times, citing a U.S. official, reported U.S. strikes on Iran were underway. A source told Reuters that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was moved to a secure location outside Tehran.

The attack follows a 12-day air war between Israel and Iran in June and repeated U.S.-Israeli warnings against Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated: "The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel." An Israeli defence official confirmed the operation was planned for months in coordination with Washington, with the launch date set weeks ago.

Explosions were reported in Tehran by Iranian media, and sirens sounded across Israel at 08:15 local time as a precautionary alert for potential missile strikes. Israel closed schools, workplaces (except essential sectors), and public airspace, banning civilian flights and advising against airport visits.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in a social media video, said: "A short time ago the U.S. military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. We sought repeatedly to make a deal. Iran attempted to rebuild their nuclear programme. Iran is developing long-range missiles that threaten the U.S. and others. We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. We’re going to annihilate their navy. We will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon."

Iran warned neighboring countries hosting U.S. troops of retaliation against American bases if Washington struck. Tehran has denied seeking nuclear weapons and insisted on discussing curbs in exchange for sanctions relief, but ruled out linking it to missiles.

Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran renewed in February to avert military confrontation, but Israel demanded full dismantling of Iran's nuclear infrastructure and missile restrictions.

Western powers have warned Iran's ballistic missile program threatens regional stability and could deliver nuclear weapons if developed.