The United States and Israel have launched military strikes on Iran in a major escalation that risks triggering a regional conflict with global consequences. US President Donald Trump personally confirmed that the US military had begun “major combat operations”, while Iran responded with missile launches.
The announcement marks one of the worst moments in relations between Washington and Tehran in decades.
Trump confirms attack: “Major combat operations”
In a message published on social networks, Donald Trump said:
“Not long ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran.”
The US president said the goal is to eliminate threats to the US.
“Our goal is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
Trump reiterated the charge that Iran is trying to obtain nuclear weapons — a charge denied by Tehran:
“I can never have a nuclear weapon.”
In a direct message to the Iranian people, the American leader issued an unprecedented warning:
“The hour of your freedom has come… when we are done, take over your government. It will probably be your only chance for generations.”
Israel: “We launched a pre-emptive strike”
Israel, for its part, confirmed that it had launched strikes on Iran, described by Defense Minister Israel Katz as a “preemptive strike”.
The Israeli army announced that it had detected missiles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory, a sign that the conflict has already entered a retaliation phase.
Targets are nuclear facilities and military infrastructure
According to experts, the attacks targeted nuclear installations, ballistic missile bases, radar systems, strategic military objectives, command structures of the Iranian army.
The goal would be to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and halt its nuclear program.
Experts say: “We are at a critical moment that will change the region”
Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, warned that the situation could have major consequences:
“There is no doubt that we are at a critical moment that will reshape the region and deeply affect Iran.”
She added that this conflict could become a lasting one:
“This new phase of the conflict is existential and unlikely to end quickly.”
Iran responded within hours
According to the analysis, Iran reacted just four hours after the first strikes, launching missiles at Israel and other targets in the region.
Experts warn that there is a risk of the conflict expanding and involving other actors, including Iran’s allies.
Bronwen Maddox, director Chatham House, a avertizat:
“This has all the earmarks of a lasting conflict, exactly the kind of conflict that Trump said he didn’t want.”
Experts say that collapsing a regime is much easier than stabilizing a country afterwards.
Risk of global escalation
Analysts warn that the attack could trigger a major regional crisis, with an impact on global security, energy markets, and the stability of the Middle East.
The conflict risks quickly spreading beyond Iran and Israel.
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