Israeli Operation Targets Western Iran
The Israeli military says it has carried out a “broad strike” against defence systems in western Iran, marking a sharp escalation in a conflict that erupted with joint US-Israeli airstrikes early Saturday. The operation comes amid weeks of rising tension between Washington and Tehran over efforts to reach a new agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear activities.
In a video posted on social media, US President Donald Trump suggested the strikes were about more than Iran’s nuclear programme, referencing grievances dating back to the Islamic Revolution in 1979. He urged Iranian civilians to take cover during the attacks and later called on them to rise up against their government.
Iran Responds Across the Gulf
Iran retaliated throughout Saturday by launching strikes against American military assets across the Gulf region. According to reports, every country hosting US military facilities was targeted except Oman. The widening scope of the response has heightened fears that the conflict could spread further.
As tensions mounted, several countries in the region closed their airspace. Flights to major hubs such as Tel Aviv and Dubai were cancelled, diverted, or forced to return to their departure points, disrupting regional travel.
Global Calls for Restraint
World leaders have urged both sides to step back from further escalation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for restraint, and the UN Security Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the rapidly developing situation.
With military actions unfolding across multiple countries and diplomatic efforts under strain, the region faces one of its most volatile moments in years.
