The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran early Saturday, targeting multiple locations, including Tehran, in an escalation that has rapidly expanded into a wider regional confrontation.

Explosions were reported across Tehran and other cities, including Isfahan, Tabriz and Kermanshah, with strikes hitting areas near government facilities and sites linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Smoke plumes rose over the capital as emergency services rushed to affected districts.

US President Donald Trump described the assault as “major combat operations” aimed at destroying Iran’s missile capabilities. At the same time, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz called the attack a pre-emptive move to remove threats to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint operation sought to eliminate an “existential threat” and create conditions for change inside Iran.

Iran retaliated within hours, launching missiles toward northern Israel and US military installations across the Gulf. Explosions were heard in northern Israel as air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Blasts were also reported in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar — countries that host US military assets. Iran’s Fars News Agency said the strikes targeted bases, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

Qatar’s Defence Ministry said it had successfully thwarted several attacks, while UAE state media reported one person killed in Abu Dhabi after missiles were intercepted.

The whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, remained unclear, with reports that he had been moved to a secure location. Communications disruptions were reported in parts of Tehran.

With airspace closures, regional alerts and threats of further retaliation, the conflict now risks drawing multiple states into a broader war, further dimming prospects for diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear programme.

This is a developing story.

© Naya Daur