US and Israel Launch Coordinated Daylight Military Strikes on Iran
In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States and Israel jointly launched a series of daylight military strikes on Iran this Saturday. The attacks targeted locations near the offices of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, effectively closing the window for diplomatic resolution to Tehran's longstanding nuclear dispute with Western nations.
Strikes Target Supreme Leader's Compound in Tehran
According to multiple reports, the strikes occurred in close proximity to the administrative offices of the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, Iranian authorities confirmed that Khamenei had been relocated to a secure, undisclosed location prior to the attacks and was not present in Tehran during the military operation.
Local media sources within Iran reported at least three to four separate strikes hitting targets in the capital city of Tehran. The timing of these initial strikes during morning hours was reportedly designed to maximize the element of surprise, as Iranian defense forces would not have anticipated a daytime assault.
'Operation Lion's Roar': Months of Planning
Israel has officially named its military campaign against Iran 'Operation Lion's Roar.' Defense officials revealed that the operation had been meticulously planned for several months in close coordination with Washington, with the launch date determined weeks in advance.
An Israeli defense official speaking to Reuters confirmed that the strikes are being conducted through both aerial and naval means. According to sources cited by the Times of Israel, the 'initial phase' of this joint military operation is planned to continue for a minimum of four days.
Massive US Military Deployment Precedes Strikes
The attacks follow a substantial buildup of American military assets in the Middle East region over recent weeks. The United States has deployed multiple aircraft carriers, fighter jets, guided-missile destroyers, and other advanced military capabilities to the area.
This deployment includes two of the largest warships in the US Navy fleet—the Gerald R. Ford and the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carriers. President Donald Trump previously described this naval presence as a 'massive naval armada' positioned in response to escalating regional tensions.
Trump's Post-Strike Statements and Nuclear Concerns
In his first public comments following the military strikes, President Trump asserted that the United States' primary objective is 'eliminating imminent threats' originating from Iran. The President further declared that the US would 'destroy Iranian missile industry' and 'annihilate' the Iranian navy.
Earlier on the day of the attacks, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's approach to nuclear negotiations, stating: 'We're not exactly happy with the way they're negotiating. They cannot have nuclear weapons. And we're not thrilled with the way they're negotiating.'
The President emphasized that no final decision had been made regarding Iran but reiterated his administration's firm position against Iranian nuclear weapons development.
Background of Escalating Tensions
These coordinated strikes occur against the backdrop of a 12-day air war between Israel and Iran that took place in June. Both nations had issued repeated warnings that they would initiate military action if Iran continued advancing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
An unnamed security source speaking to Channel 12 television confirmed that the operation had been jointly planned for months, with Israel going 'all out' in its execution and the United States being completely 'on the same page.' The source further indicated that the initial phase of attacks would span four days.
The military action represents a significant deterioration in relations between Iran and Western powers, potentially marking a new phase in the long-running confrontation over Tehran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
