Israel and US Launch Military Strikes on Iran, Escalating Nuclear Tensions

Tehran/Jerusalem:Israel has initiated military operations against Iran, marking an abrupt escalation in long‑running regional tensions as negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme faltered. Officials in Jerusalem say the offensive was conducted in collaboration with the United States, signaling a coordinated response to what both nations consider a growing strategic threat.

The strikes, described by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz as “pre‑emptive”, saw explosions reverberate across central Tehran, including in areas near key governmental and intelligence installations. Smoke was observed rising over the Iranian capital, prompting significant alarm among residents and regional observers.

In Israel, sirens wailed and authorities declared a state of emergency, shut down airspace and issued public alerts urging citizens to take shelter. The government has framed the operation as necessary to eliminate imminent threats to national security, particularly those related to Iran’s disputed nuclear activities.

This assault comes as diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington showed signs of stagnation, with both sides unable to reach consensus on limiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The intervention has significantly dimmed prospects for a negotiated settlement and raised concerns about broader military repercussions in the Middle East.

Iranian authorities have not yet released detailed information on casualties or retaliation plans, but Tehran has placed its forces on alert and condemned the strikes. The situation remains highly fluid, with regional actors and global powers closely monitoring developments.