Live: Israel Launches 'Pre-Emptive' Strikes on Iran, Multiple Explosions Reported in Tehran
Iran Confirms Strikes on Key US Air Bases Across Gulf Region
Iran has officially confirmed the targeting of multiple military installations across the Gulf region, according to reports from the Fars news agency. The strikes were directed at key air bases hosting US forces, including Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, and Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. Additionally, the fifth US base in Bahrain was also listed among the targeted sites. The coordinated attacks mark a significant escalation, underscoring Tehran's stated objective to retaliate against US and Israeli military assets throughout the region.
Fresh Blast Rocks Bahraini Capital Following Attack on US Base
A new loud explosion has been reported in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, according to AFP news agency. The blast comes shortly after a US military base in the city was targeted in a missile attack, part of Iran's ongoing retaliation against US and Israeli strikes. The situation in the strategically vital Gulf nation, which hosts the US Navy's 5th Fleet, remains volatile as regional tensions continue to escalate.
Iran Vows 'Decisive' Response to US-Israeli Aggression, Citing Right to Self-Defen
Iran's Foreign Affairs Ministry has strongly condemned what it describes as a joint US-Israeli military attack on its territory, vowing to make the 'aggressors regret their actions.' The ministry stated that the strikes targeted Iran's 'territorial integrity and national sovereignty,' damaging both defensive infrastructure and non-military sites in several cities.
In an official statement, Tehran described the operation as a 'clear example of armed aggression' and a violation of international law and the UN Charter. The ministry specifically cited Article 51, asserting Iran's 'legitimate right to respond decisively' to what it regards as a breach of international peace and security.
While claiming that the Iranian nation has historically shown restraint to prevent escalation, the statement emphasised that its armed forces are now 'fully prepared to defend the country.' Concluding with a historical reference, the ministry declared that Iran has 'never surrendered to aggression' and pledged a decisive response that will make its adversaries regret their hostile actions.
Wave of Explosions Reported Across Multiple Gulf Sites
A series of explosions have been reported across several locations in the Middle East, marking a significant escalation in the region. Confirmed reports indicate blasts occurring in three distinct areas: Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Manama in Bahrain, and locations within Kuwait.
Explosions Rock Bahraini Capital Near US Naval Base
Reports of explosions have emerged from the Bahraini capital, Manama, which hosts the US Navy's 5th Fleet. Correspondents from AFP news agency on the ground confirmed hearing the blasts, following a series of urgent alerts issued by the Bahraini interior ministry.
The ministry announced that emergency sirens had been activated across the city and issued a strong advisory urging all citizens and residents to remain calm and immediately seek shelter in the nearest secure location. The explosions in this strategically significant location mark a major escalation in the region.
IRGC Confirms Large-Scale Missile and Drone Strike on Israel
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has officially confirmed that it has launched a wide-ranging salvo of missiles and drones targeting Israel. The attack, described by the IRGC as a 'first wave,' was announced as a direct response to what it termed 'US-Israeli attacks' against the Islamic Republic.
In a formal statement, the IRGC described the military action as retaliation against a 'hostile and criminal enemy.' The statement portrays the strikes as a defensive measure following unspecified aggressions, signalling a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Netanyahu: Joint US-Israel Operation Targets Iran's Nuclear Threat
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel and the United States have launched a joint operation aimed at neutralising the existential threat posed by Iran. In a televised address, he expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for his leadership, framing the action as a response to decades of hostility from the Iranian regime, which he accused of violence against Israelis, Americans, and its own people.
Netanyahu asserted that the 'murderous terrorist regime' must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, warning that such an outcome would endanger all of humanity. He positioned the operation as a catalyst for change, urging the diverse ethnic groups within Iran—including Persians, Kurds, and Azeris—to reject their leadership and work towards a 'free and peaceful Iran.'
Addressing Israeli citizens directly, he asked for resilience and strict adherence to Home Front Command instructions in the coming days. Dubbing the mission Operation 'The Roar of the Lion,' Netanyahu concluded with a call for national unity, stating, 'Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.'
IDF Confirms Large-Scale Iranian Missile Attack, Urges Public Compliance with Safety Protocols
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have confirmed that Iran has launched missiles towards Israel, triggering air raid sirens across multiple regions. In an official statement, the IDF announced that its Air Force is actively engaged in intercepting the incoming threats and neutralising any additional dangers to ensure public safety.
Acknowledging the scale of the attack, the military emphasised that while defence systems are operational, they are not completely foolproof ('hermetic'). As a result, authorities have issued an urgent appeal for residents to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to all safety directives issued by the Home Front Command.
Trump: No Final Decision on Iran Strikes, But Warns of 'Obliteration'
President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the US has not made a 'final decision' on whether to launch military strikes against Iran, though he expressed deep frustration with Tehran's stance in ongoing nuclear negotiations.
Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn, Trump said he was 'not happy' with Iran's negotiating position, insisting that Tehran 'cannot have nuclear weapons' and is 'not willing to give us what we need.' He emphasised that the US had repeatedly tried to reach an agreement, stating, 'We tried.'
Despite the absence of a final decision on strikes, Trump issued a stern warning, declaring that if action is taken, 'we are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally ... obliterated.'
The comments follow indirect talks between the two nations in Geneva earlier this week, where both sides reportedly acknowledged progress towards a potential deal. However, Washington continues to apply pressure, with Trump reiterating that the US remains 'ready, willing, and able' to act 'with speed and violence, if necessary.'
When asked about the possibility of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, Trump acknowledged the risk, noting that 'when there's war, there's a risk of anything - both good and bad'.
Explosions Rock Tehran as Israel Confirms 'Pre-emptive Attack' on Iran
Israel launched what it called a 'pre-emptive attack' on Iran early Saturday, with several explosions reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, sharply increasing regional tensions.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strikes, announcing a 'special and permanent state of emergency' across Israel in anticipation of retaliation. The move follows weeks of heightened tensions and stalled nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian state media reported explosions in the east and north of Tehran. The state-affiliated Fars news agency reported that multiple missiles hit the Republic area of the city. Images obtained by the BBC showed smoke rising over Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square in central Tehran.
A US official told Al Jazeera that American forces participated in the strikes, though the extent of their involvement remains unclear. This development marks a significant escalation following the largest US military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion ordered by President Donald Trump.
Sirens sounded across Israel shortly after the attacks began, warning residents of possible incoming projectiles. The Israeli government stated the operation aimed to 'remove threats against the State of Israel.';
The strikes undermine recent diplomatic efforts between US and Iranian officials, who had been engaged in indirect nuclear talks mediated by Oman. Those negotiations had shown 'significant progress,' according to mediators, with technical discussions scheduled for next week in Vienna.
Iran has long vowed to respond forcefully to any attack, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The strikes come eight months after the 12-Day War last June, when Israel and the US targeted Iranian nuclear facilities following Israeli strikes.
Iranian state television briefly experienced audio disruptions during initial coverage but later aired footage emphasising national unity against 'enemies'. Tehran has not yet officially confirmed casualties or damage assessments.