The United States and Israel have launched coordinated military strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory missile attacks across the Middle East and sharply escalating regional tensions.
What Happened
Explosions were reported in Tehran shortly after 09:30 local time. Smoke was seen rising over Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square. Blasts were also reported in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah. Casualty figures remain unclear.
Iranian media said the country’s airspace was closed following the strikes.
US President Donald Trump described the assault as “major combat operations” and said the objective was to eliminate imminent threats and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He urged Iranian government forces to lay down their arms and called on citizens to remain sheltered.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s role, describing the action as necessary to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Israel’s defence minister declared a special state of emergency across the country.
Verified footage placed one explosion within close proximity to Leadership House, the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, though direct damage to the building has not been confirmed.
Iran’s Response
Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes toward Israeli territory. Explosions were heard in Haifa and other locations, though it remains unclear whether they were impacts or air defence interceptions.
Bahrain reported a missile strike targeting the service centre of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. Qatar said it intercepted attacks over its territory, including near Doha, home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the region. The United Arab Emirates reported one fatality from falling debris following missile interceptions.
Israel has restricted public gatherings, closed schools and non-essential workplaces, and shut its airspace to civilian flights.
Travel Disruptions
Multiple airlines have suspended flights across parts of the Middle East. Lufthansa halted services to Dubai and several regional capitals. Wizz Air suspended routes to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman. Virgin Atlantic cancelled a London to Dubai service and is avoiding Iraqi airspace. Kuwait suspended flights to Iran. Iraq and Jordan closed their airspace, while the UAE partially closed its own.
The UK Foreign Office updated guidance for several regional countries, advising vigilance and compliance with local authority instructions.
International Reaction
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called for restraint and a return to negotiations, stressing civilian protection under international law.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the escalation as perilous and emphasised the importance of humanitarian law. The UK government stated it was not involved in the strikes and prioritised the safety of its nationals. Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened the Cobra emergency committee.
Germany confirmed it had been informed in advance. Italy said it was consulting allies to ease tensions. Australia backed US action aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Russia condemned the strikes as reckless and accused the US and Israel of undermining stability under the guise of negotiations.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military activity and heightened regional alert levels.
