Iran has vowed a powerful retaliation after a coordinated military strike by Israel and the United States hit multiple locations in the Islamic Republic, marking a serious escalation in Middle East tensions.
On Saturday, Israel and the U.S. launched a joint pre-emptive attack, codenamed Operation Lion’s Roar, targeting Iranian military sites, missile facilities and installations in several cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah and Karaj. Explosions were widely reported in the Iranian capital, with smoke seen rising over downtown areas and alerts issued across the country.
Iranian officials and state media described the assault as an act of aggression and warned that Tehran is preparing to hit back with a “crushing response.” Defence sources have indicated a high likelihood of Iranian missile launches in the coming hours, possibly aimed at key targets.
The strikes have also reignited fears of a broader regional conflict, as both sides brace for further action. Israel has raised its military alert levels and fortified positions along its borders, while Iranian authorities have mobilised defence measures and publicly committed to retaliate.
This confrontation comes amid stalled diplomacy between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme, with past negotiations making uneven progress and disagreements over enrichment limits and missile restrictions.
As the situation continues to unfold, governments around the world have issued advisories about heightened instability, urging citizens in the region to take precautions.
