A major military offensive has been launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, escalating tensions in the Middle East and marking a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy. The joint operation—dubbed Operation Epic Fury by U.S. officials—began with coordinated airstrikes on Iranian military and strategic targets early Saturday, with explosions reported across Tehran and other cities as air raid sirens sounded.

In an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social, President Donald Trump framed the strikes as a necessary defensive response to long-standing threats from the Iranian regime, accusing its leadership of endangering American security and regional stability. Trump said the operation aims to neutralize Iran’s capabilities and create “conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this message, saying the offensive is intended to eliminate the existential threat posed by Tehran and support a future in which Iranians can shape their own government.

Iran responded rapidly, launching missiles targeting Israeli territory and U.S. military bases across the region, including hits near strategic installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. Iranian authorities have declared all U.S. and Israeli interests legitimate targets following the strikes.

The offensive comes amid already heightened tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and follows weeks of diplomatic efforts that failed to curb Tehran’s activities. Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage have been reported, drawing widespread international concern and calls for de-escalation from world leaders.