US, Israel strike Iran — what is known so far

Investing.com - The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran early Saturday, with explosions reported in Tehran and other cities across the country.

In an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social early on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the US had begun "major combat operations" in Iran. Israel also confirmed it was conducting attacks on Iranian targets.

The Israeli attack on Iran began at 08:10 a.m. local time, the New York Times reported.

According to reports from various media outlets, over 30 targets were struck across Iran, including the country’s intelligence headquarters, defense ministry, and nuclear energy department. Iran’s presidential palace is reportedly also under attack.

A Tehran resident and local journalist said landlines in the city were down and only mobile phones had sporadic reception, the New York Times reported.

The cities of Isfahan and Qom are also reportedly under attack. Videos by Iranians circulating on social media show numerous rockets overflying the country’s territory.

The strikes followed weeks of US military buildup in the region. The New York Times said the strikes began after Trump became disappointed with negotiations that had been ongoing for several weeks.

In his announcement, Trump called the Iranian regime "a vicious group of very hard, terrible people" and said "its menacing activities directly endanger the United States" and its troops.

Trump called on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard, Armed Forces and police to lay down their weapons in exchange for "complete immunity."

U.S. President also urged the Iranian people to "take over your government" once the military action is completed. "This will be probably your only chance for generations," he said. "For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let’s see how you respond."

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