US and Israel Launch Coordinated Strike on Iran: What We Know So Far

President Donald Trump announced that the United States had launched a “large-scale military operation” against Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel carried out the operation alongside the US to “remove the terrorist regime in Iran.”

In a video statement, Trump urged the Iranian people to seize the moment during the major strikes against Iran to overthrow the ruling clerical establishment. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours. This may be your only chance in several generations,” he said.

Trump also told members of Iran’s security forces that they would be granted “immunity” if they laid down their weapons. If they continued fighting, Trump warned, they would “face certain death.”

Netanyahu made similar remarks, calling on all segments of Iranian society—Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baluchis, and Ahwazis—to “break free from the shackles of tyranny and realise a free and peaceful Iran.”

The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that Iran knew of US and Israeli intentions to launch the attacks. Nevertheless, the Iranian government chose to continue the diplomatic process.

The statement acknowledged that the strikes occurred “whilst Iran and the United States were in the midst of a diplomatic process.” The third round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the US took place two days earlier, on 26 February, in Geneva, Switzerland, without producing any breakthrough.

Iran and the US had previously held five rounds of negotiations in May 2025, but without progress. The sixth round, scheduled for June 2025, was cancelled after Israel launched a surprise attack on Iranian targets, triggering a 12-day conflict during which the US bombed three major Iranian nuclear sites.

What Happened?

Shortly after 09:30 Tehran time (13:00 WIB), Iran’s Fars news agency reported explosions in the cities of Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah, as well as in the capital Teheran. BBC photographs showed smoke billowing from Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square in Teheran. The full extent of casualties and injuries remains unknown. Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian airspace had been closed since the attacks occurred.

Iran’s Response

The barrage appeared to be met with retaliation from Iran. The Israeli military (IDF) stated it had identified missiles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory and said it was working to “intercept and respond to every threat if necessary.”

“Air-raid sirens sounded in various regions across the country after missiles launched from Iran towards Israel were detected,” the IDF said. Explosions were reported in the city of Haifa and other locations in Israel, though it remains unclear whether the sounds came from missile impacts or interceptions.

Israeli residents were warned not to gather and to avoid schools and workplaces unless absolutely essential. Authorities said these guidelines applied until Monday at 20:00. Israeli media also reported that the country’s airspace was closed to civilian flights.

Elsewhere, Bahrain’s official news agency reported that the Fifth Fleet naval service centre of the US Navy based in Bahrain “came under missile attack.” This report emerged after Bahrain’s Interior Ministry stated that emergency sirens had been activated and called on citizens to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location.

Trump’s Statement

Donald Trump announced that the United States had begun “large-scale combat operations” against Iran. He accused the Iranian regime of carrying out an “endless campaign of bloodshed and mass murder” targeting the United States.

The US President released a video on Truth Social shortly after explosions were reported in Tehran. Trump stated that Iran “must not have nuclear weapons” and explained that this was the reason Operation Midnight Hammer targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

He claimed Iran had rejected every opportunity to halt its nuclear ambitions and continued developing long-range missiles that could threaten US allies in Europe, US forces abroad, and “soon could reach mainland America.”

Trump said the US would destroy Iran’s missile industry “to the ground” and “obliterate” its navy. He added that the Iranian regime had chanted “Death to America” for 47 years.

“The lives of brave American heroes may be lost, and we may suffer casualties,” he said.

“Your time to achieve freedom has come,” Trump told the Iranian people, calling on them to “take control of your government.”