What We Know
• Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran early Saturday morning, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and two US officials.
• Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency as the strikes began, anticipating possible retaliation from Iran.
• The military action follows weeks of warnings from US President Donald Trump, who had threatened to strike Iran over its nuclear program and the government’s deadly crackdown on protesters.
US Carrying Out Strikes on Iran, Officials Say
The United States is conducting strikes on Iran, three US officials told CNN. One official described the operation as “not a small strike” and said it was ongoing.
Second US Strike on Iran in Less Than a Year
This marks the second US military action against Iran in less than a year.
The previous strike occurred in June 2025, when President Donald Trump ordered US warplanes to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites. It was the first time in nearly five decades that an American president authorized a direct attack on Iranian soil.
In response to that strike, Iran launched around a dozen short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Middle East.
Shortly afterward, President Trump announced a ceasefire and cautioned Israel against further escalation.
Israel Orders Essential Activity Only
Following the strikes, Israel’s Home Front Command directed citizens to limit activities to essential services only.
The restrictions prohibit public gatherings, work, and school operations, with limited exceptions for critical sectors.
Israel Closes Airspace
Israel closed its airspace Saturday morning after carrying out the strikes, according to the country’s Transportation Ministry.
Strike Coordinated With US, Israeli Source Says
An Israeli source told CNN that the strike was coordinated with the United States.
However, it remains unclear whether the attack was solely an Israeli operation or if US forces directly participated.
The strike reportedly targeted ballistic missiles and missile launch systems, which Israel considers a significant threat.
Israel Declares State of Emergency
Israel described the action as a “preemptive strike” against Iran, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz. A state of emergency was declared nationwide amid expectations of retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Iran.
How We Got Here
In recent weeks, President Trump had sent mixed signals regarding a potential strike on Iran, at times indicating readiness for war while also expressing openness to dialogue.
The US repositioned military assets closer to the Middle East, fueling speculation about rising tensions. Trump said earlier this year that the US had moved an “armada” toward the region “just in case,” while also stating that Iran was open to talks.
Trump said his objective was to prevent the Iranian government from using lethal force against protesters.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 5,520 protesters have been killed since demonstrations began. Iranian authorities report a lower death toll of 3,117, including civilians and security personnel. The figures could not be independently verified.
