US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran as Trump Issues Stark Warning

The United States and Israel have launched coordinated strikes against Iran, with US President Donald Trump warning civilians that “bombs will be dropping everywhere” as military operations intensify.

In a video posted to Truth Social, Mr Trump confirmed American forces had commenced what he described as “major combat operations,” shortly after Israel’s defence ministry announced a “pre-emptive strike” and declared a nationwide state of emergency.

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Mr Trump said in an eight-minute address. He accused Iran’s leadership of directly endangering US forces, overseas bases and global allies.

“For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted ‘Death to America’ and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder,” he said.

Operation “Roaring Lion”

The Israeli military said the strikes — conducted in coordination with the US — targeted dozens of military installations across Iran following months of joint planning.

The operation, named “Roaring Lion,” aims to “thoroughly degrade the Iranian terrorist regime and remove existential threats to the State of Israel over time,” according to a military statement.

Israel also moved to close its airspace to civilian flights as tensions escalated across the region. Several international airlines have halted services to parts of the Middle East.

Iran Responds

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the joint action as “wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate.”

In a post on X, he accused Mr Trump of putting Israel’s interests ahead of America’s, writing that the President had turned “America First into Israel First — which always means America Last.”

Iranian officials said the country was “more prepared than ever” to respond, with reports emerging of retaliatory strikes near a US Navy base in the region.

The situation remains fluid, with fears of broader regional escalation growing as both sides exchange warnings and military action.