US and Israel attack Iran: What we know so far
The attacks come amid negotiations over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and follow weeks of escalating rhetoric from Washington.
Highlights
- US and Israel launch joint strikes on multiple targets across Iran
- Donald Trump calls the operation "massive and ongoing"
- US names mission "Operation Epic Fury"
- Strikes reported near IRGC-linked sites and key areas in Tehran
- Iran retaliates with missiles targeting northern Israel
- Iranian forces strike US military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain
- Trump signals a possible multiday military campaign
- Iran warns of a "crushing" response as tensions escalate.
The United States and Israel have launched coordinated strikes on multiple locations across Iran, including the capital Tehran, in what US President Donald Trump described as "major combat operations".
The attacks come amid negotiations over Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and follow weeks of escalating rhetoric from Washington. They also mark the most serious direct confrontation between the US, Israel and Iran in months, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
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Iran has retaliated with missile attacks targeting northern Israel and several US military bases in the Middle East. Casualty figures and the extent of damage remain unclear.
Here is what we know so far.
What happened in Iran?
At about 9:27am (06:27 GMT), Iran's Fars news agency reported a series of explosions in Tehran. Journalists on the ground said blasts were heard in western parts of the city, while videos circulating online showed plumes of smoke rising from multiple areas.
Israel first confirmed it had launched missile strikes inside Iran. A US official later said the operation was carried out jointly with Israel. In recent weeks, Washington had deployed a significant number of fighter jets and naval assets to the region, marking one of its largest military buildups there since the Iraq War.
The US Department of Defense said the mission was named "Operation Epic Fury", its first public statement since the strikes began.
According to Iranian media and international news agencies, missiles hit areas including University Street and Jomhouri in Tehran, as well as locations near the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A strike was also reported near offices associated with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Explosions were reported beyond the capital, including in Kermanshah, Qom, Tabriz, Isfahan, Ilam and Karaj, along with parts of Lorestan province.
What did Donald Trump say?
Announcing the operation, Trump described it as "massive and ongoing", saying the goal was to dismantle Iran's missile infrastructure and neutralise what he called imminent threats from Tehran.
He said the objectives included destroying Iran's missile capabilities, targeting its navy, disrupting Iran-backed armed groups in the region and ensuring that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.
Trump also issued a stark warning to Iranian military personnel, offering amnesty if they laid down their weapons but warning of severe consequences if they did not. He acknowledged that US forces could face casualties.
A US official told Reuters the administration was preparing for a multiday operation, signalling that the campaign could extend beyond the initial wave of strikes.
What is Iran's response?
Iran responded by launching missiles towards Israel, according to the Israeli military. Air-raid sirens sounded across parts of northern Israel as explosions were reported.
Shortly afterwards, Iranian forces targeted several locations linked to US military operations in the region, including Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, Al-Salem airbase in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. Explosions were also reported in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran's parliamentary national security commission, warned of a "crushing" response, saying the confrontation had entered a new and dangerous phase.
Where are Iran's leaders?
The whereabouts of 86-year-old Khamenei are not publicly known. He has not appeared in recent days as tensions escalated, and roads leading to his compound in central Tehran were reportedly closed after the blasts.
Iran's state news agency said President Masoud Pezeshkian was unharmed, citing a source in the presidential office.
With both sides trading strikes and the prospect of further military action looming, the situation remains volatile, with regional and global powers closely watching developments.
