Smoke rose over Tehran at dawn as the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, dramatically escalating tensions in a volatile region. In a live BBC update, US President Donald Trump confirmed that 'major combat operations' were under way. Meaning, sustained US military action against Iran's missile systems and nuclear‑related infrastructure is currently underway.
In an address to the people of Iran, Trump appealed directly to citizens, urging them to 'take over your government.' He also called the strikes both a defensive measure and a historic opportunity for change. But Tehran is not backing down. Within hours, Iran had fired missiles toward Israel and US bases as retaliation.
Trump Officially Announces War on Iran
In a video message posted on Truth Social, Trump went beyond standard military language to directly appeal to both Iranians and Iran's armed forces. He described the operation as necessary to neutralise what he called 'imminent threats' from the Iranian regime.
Addressing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other security personnel, he warned: 'Lay down your arms and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death.' Trump then turned his message outward to Iran's civilian population, declaring: 'To the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand.'
He urged citizens to shelter for their safety, before adding, 'When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.' He qualified this by saying the moment could be a rare chance 'probably... for generations.'
Israel is also involved as it sees Iran as a direct security threat, particularly over Iran's nuclear programme and long-range missiles that could reach Israeli cities. Iran has historically opposed Israel's existence and supported groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which Israel considers terrorist organisations.
The US and Israel often coordinate militarily to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons or expanding its influence in the region. During the strikes, Iran retaliated by firing missiles towards Israel, making it a direct participant in the conflict.
Retaliation Across the Gulf as Civilian Areas Are Hit
Explosions were reported not just in Tehran but throughout parts of the Persian Gulf after Iran's Revolutionary Guards carried out retaliatory strikes. Reports indicate that Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, leading to sirens and emergency alerts. Civilian fatalities were reported in the United Arab Emirates when debris from intercepted missiles struck a residential area in Abu Dhabi.
Governments across the region moved quickly to protect their airspace. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates closed their skies, and airlines suspended flights. Internet monitoring organisations recorded near‑total blackouts inside Iran, a tactic the government has used during past crises, while the US also controlled information as forces exited Iran during the strikes.
In response to the violence, regional partners called for calm. The United Kingdom government stated that it was not involved in the strikes and emphasised its desire to avoid regional conflict. It assured that support and protection would be provided for British nationals in the region.
The Fragile Peace Talks Collapsed
The strikes follow months of failed nuclear diplomacy between Washington and Tehran, after which Trump set strict conditions on Iran's nuclear programme. Iranians have denied seeking weapons and insisted their nuclear work is peaceful. Trump, however, reiterated his longstanding stance that the Iranian regime 'can never have a nuclear weapon.'
Reactions to the conflict are split. Some international voices condemned the legality of the strikes, calling for restraint and adherence to international norms. Others argue that the joint action with Israel was aimed at neutralising what leaders viewed as a strategic threat.
Many fear the situation in the Middle East is getting very serious on a worldwide level. Missiles are being launched, people have been hurt or killed, and countries are taking sides, which increases the risk of a bigger conflict. The balance of power in the region is fragile, so any small event could escalate quickly.
Experts are paying close attention to see if leaders will try to solve things through talks and diplomacy, or if they will continue to build up their military forces, which could make the conflict much worse.
