What to Know About the U.S. and Israeli Attacks on Iran
The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday after weeks of threats over Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Iranian Supreme Leader Killed in Strike
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by an Israeli strike carried out with U.S. support. Iran has not officially confirmed Khamenei’s death.
The U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Saturday, following weeks of escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Joint Military Operation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the goal of the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes is to “remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.”
“Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.”
— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
A source briefed on the operation told media outlets it was expected to last a few days, with Israel’s military focusing on targeting Iran’s missile program.
President Announces “Major Combat Operations”
The President announced what was described as “major combat operations” that are “massive and ongoing” in Iran. The objective was stated as “to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats” from Iran.
“The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!”
Failed Negotiations Preceded Attacks
The strikes came after a week of U.S.-Iran negotiations over the country’s nuclear program failed to produce a diplomatic solution.
The Israeli strikes targeted Khamenei and other high-ranking officials. A source briefed on the U.S.-Israeli attacks told media that an airstrike killed Khamenei.
Civilian Casualties Reported
Iran’s news agency reported that strikes hit a girls’ school, killing at least 53 young female students and wounding dozens more.
A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command stated they were aware of reports about civilians being harmed and were looking into them.
“The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimize the risk of unintended harm. Unlike Iran, we have never — and will never — target civilians.”
— Capt. Tim Hawkins, U.S. Central Command
The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that more than 200 people were killed in strikes across Iran.
Call for Regime Change
The President encouraged Iranians to “take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations” once the operation is over.
The President previously expressed concern about the Iranian regime’s actions against protesters, citing it as potential justification for U.S. strikes.
Iran’s Response
Iran’s foreign ministry called the airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel a “gross violation” of its national sovereignty and vowed to respond decisively.
The UAE’s Defense Ministry reported that Iranian ballistic missiles targeted the country, which hosts U.S. troops at several locations.
Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan have all been targeted by Iranian missiles. All of these countries have U.S. troops present.
The U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet service center in Manama, Bahrain, was hit according to local authorities. Other countries reported that the missiles were intercepted. The UAE reported that debris from a missile interception killed a migrant worker. Loud explosions were heard over Dubai.
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