TEHRAN/TEL AVIV (Web Desk/Reuters) – Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and US military installations in the Gulf on Saturday, hours after the United States and Israel announced the start of what they described as a “major combat operation” against Tehran.
The escalation has pushed the Middle East into a renewed and potentially wider military confrontation, further undermining diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving Iran’s long-running nuclear dispute with Western powers.
Missile Barrage on Israel
According to Iranian officials, the retaliatory campaign — dubbed “Operation Fateh Khyber” — targeted northern Israel and Tel Aviv. Air raid sirens sounded across multiple cities, while explosions were reported in several areas, indicating the scale of the strikes.
Israeli authorities confirmed that the country’s air defence systems were activated. Blasts were also heard in Tehran and other Iranian cities, including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah, following Israeli strikes earlier in the day.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the state had launched a “pre-emptive attack” against Iran to neutralise what he described as imminent threats.
Iranian media reported that an area near the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was hit, though he was reportedly relocated to a secure location.
Strikes on US Bases in Gulf
In addition to Israel, Iranian missiles reportedly targeted US military facilities in the Gulf, including bases in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
Explosions were heard in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Manama. In Bahrain, reports suggested that a service facility linked to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet may have been struck. Qatari authorities said some missiles were intercepted mid-air, while Kuwait also reported explosions.
Following the attacks, Saudi Arabia and the UAE closed their airspace. The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai instructed staff to shelter in place, advising American citizens in the UAE to do the same until further notice.
Iranian officials warned that all US military bases in the region are within range of Iranian missiles.
Trump Confirms Major Operation
US President Donald Trump confirmed that a “major combat operation” had been launched in Iran, stating that the objective was to eliminate imminent threats posed by Tehran’s missile programme.
In a video statement, Trump said the Iranian missile and naval capabilities would be neutralised and urged members of Iran’s armed forces to lay down their weapons, warning of severe consequences if they did not comply.
He also addressed the Iranian public, urging them to remain indoors amid ongoing strikes and calling the moment a potential turning point for the country’s future.
An Israeli defence official told Reuters that the operation had been coordinated with Washington and planned for months.
Diplomatic Efforts Collapse
The escalation comes despite renewed US-Iran negotiations earlier this month aimed at defusing tensions. Israel had insisted that any agreement must include dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and restrictions on its ballistic missile programme.
Tehran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons but has warned neighbouring states hosting US forces that they would face retaliation if their territory was used for attacks.
Last June, Israel carried out unprecedented strikes on Iranian targets, sparking a 12-day conflict that left at least 30 people dead in Israel and caused significant damage. The United States briefly joined that campaign, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
Emergency Measures and Travel Advisory
Israel declared a nationwide emergency, closed its airspace and suspended flights. Authorities urged citizens not to approach airports until further notice.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office advised its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and urged those residing there to remain vigilant and maintain contact with Pakistani diplomatic missions.
Iran’s health ministry declared an emergency across hospitals amid reports of casualties and injuries. Iranian officials warned that any further escalation would be met with what they termed a “devastating response.”
The latest developments have heightened fears of a broader regional war, with global powers closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation.
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