The US and Israel carried out a major attack on Iran on Saturday, targeting key sites including areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Footage released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) shows missiles fired from a warship, fighter jets taking off from an aircraft carrier, and strikes on Iranian assets, including a drone on the ground.

Smoke was visible rising from Tehran, while Iranian media reported that attacks occurred nationwide. It remains unclear whether the 86-year-old Supreme Leader was present in his offices during the strikes. CENTCOM said the operation reflects the President’s directive to defend Americans and neutralise imminent threats from the Iranian regime, describing the action as delivering an “overwhelming and unrelenting blow.”

Iranian retaliation and regional escalation

In response, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and US military bases across the region, escalating the conflict further. The strikes marked a rapid counterattack following the US-Israeli offensive, highlighting the growing volatility in the Middle East.

Trump appeals to Iranian public, consults global allies

Amid the strikes, US President Donald Trump called on the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny” by rising against the nation’s Islamic leadership, in power since 1979. Separately, he spoke with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, signalling efforts to coordinate with allies on regional security amid the crisis.