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President of the United States, Donald Trump has announced that the United States has launched “major combat operations” against Iran, formally confirming Washington’s direct involvement in coordinated military strikes alongside Israel.
He made this announcement in a video posted early Saturday.
In the eight-minute address shared on Truth Social, Trump declared: “A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.”
The president accused Tehran of 47 years of sustained hostility toward the United States, citing chants of “Death to America” and alleging campaigns of “bloodshed and mass murder” against American troops, bases, allies, and civilians around the world.
He characterized the military action as defensive, describing it as a necessary step to neutralize threats coming from Iran’s “menacing activities.”
The announcement follows Israel’s earlier confirmation of a “pre-emptive” strike “to remove threats to the State of Israel.”
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz subsequently declared a nationwide state of emergency.
Explosions were reported across central Tehran, with geolocated footage showing plumes of thick smoke rising over government districts, including areas near the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iranian state media reported multiple missile impacts in the Republic area and other parts of the capital, though official figures on casualties and damage have yet to be released.
US officials confirmed to multiple outlets that American forces are actively participating in the joint operation, employing air assets and potentially sea-based capabilities amid a high regional military.
Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, and Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa relocated patients to reinforced underground units, discharged non-urgent cases, and prepared for potential mass casualties.
The national emergency service, Magen David Adom, moved into heightened coordination with military and health authorities.
Iranian airspace was closed immediately, amid reports that Tehran is preparing retaliatory measures.
An Iranian official signalled readiness for a “crushing” response, which could involve missiles, drones, or forces operating across the region.
Iran: Trump confirms ‘Major Combat Operations’ alongside Israel
