TEHRAN/JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON: Iran on Saturday launched a large-scale missile and drone attack against Israel following what US President Donald Trump described as a “major combat operation” carried out jointly by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.
According to Iranian media reports, Tehran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones under an operation it named “Fateh Khyber,” triggering air raid sirens across several parts of Israel. Explosions were reported in northern Israel, including areas near Haifa, while blasts were also heard in Tel Aviv.
Iranian military officials confirmed that multiple missiles and drones were launched towards Israeli targets, describing the action as a response to what they termed joint American-Israeli aggression.
In addition to Israel, reports indicated that Iranian missiles targeted several US military installations in the Gulf region, including facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Explosions were reported in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Manama. In Bahrain, reports suggested that an area linked to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet was struck, prompting the relocation of US diplomatic personnel to secure shelters.
Qatar reported intercepting missiles in mid-air, while Kuwait also confirmed hearing explosions. Several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, announced temporary closure of their airspace amid heightened security concerns.
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai advised staff and American citizens to shelter in place until further notice.
Earlier, Israel said it had launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the operation aimed to remove threats to Israel. An Israeli defence official told Reuters that the operation had been coordinated with Washington and planned over several months.
Explosions were reported in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah. Iranian media said the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among the sites targeted. Reports indicated that he had been moved to a secure location prior to the strikes.
In a video statement, President Trump said the objective of the operation was to eliminate what he described as imminent threats posed by Iran’s missile programme. He warned Iranian military forces to lay down their arms and urged Iranian citizens to remain indoors due to ongoing military activity.
The escalation comes despite renewed diplomatic engagements between the United States and Iran in recent months aimed at resolving longstanding disputes over Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Israel has maintained that any agreement must include dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and limiting its missile capabilities.
Tehran has repeatedly stated that it does not seek nuclear weapons but has warned it would defend itself against any military action. Iranian officials have also cautioned neighbouring countries hosting US forces that they could face retaliation if their territories were used for strikes against Iran.
Following the latest developments, Israel closed its airspace and declared a national emergency, suspending flights and closing schools and non-essential workplaces.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a travel advisory, urging Pakistani nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and advising those currently in the country to exercise caution and remain in contact with Pakistani missions.
Iranian authorities declared an emergency in hospitals nationwide amid reports of casualties and injuries. Officials warned that further retaliation could follow as the situation continues to evolve.
The unfolding crisis marks one of the most serious regional escalations in recent years, raising concerns of a broader conflict across the Middle East.