Storm clouds of war have engulfed the Middle East as U.S. and Israeli forces launched a coordinated assault on Iran. Missile strikes targeted Tehran and several major cities, including Qom and Isfahan. Israel focused on the Iranian presidential palace and intelligence headquarters, while the U.S. carried out aerial bombardments from its aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln. Thick smoke plumes have engulfed urban areas, and attacks continue on defense ministry offices and nuclear energy facilities.
According to Iran’s official news agency Tasnim, around seven missiles struck the residence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the presidential palace, causing extensive damage. Authorities had preemptively moved Khamenei to a secure location, averting casualties. The attacks, named “Shield of Judah” by Israel, have prompted the Israeli government to declare a high alert, close schools, and order civilians to remain in safe areas.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the crisis, asserting that Iran has never produced nuclear weapons but that its missile program poses a threat to the U.S. and the global community. Trump criticized Iran for 47 years of anti-American rhetoric and incitement of violence, warning that the Iranian military must surrender immediately or face complete annihilation.
Iran, however, has vowed not to back down. The chairman of Iran’s parliamentary committee warned, “You started the war, but we will end it,” threatening to retaliate against Israel. Iraq, sharing a border with Iran, has also closed its airspace as a precaution. With tensions escalating, international observers fear that the conflict could spiral into a larger regional confrontation or even a global conflict.