Israel and the United States launch a joint attack against Iran

BarcelonaEight months after the twelve-day war, early Saturday morning Israel and the United States launched another joint attack against Iran. The Israeli Defense Ministry was the first to confirm it, calling it a "preemptive strike" aimed at "eliminating threats" against the country. US President Donald Trump spoke of a "major military operation" to ensure that Iran "does not acquire a nuclear weapon." "Our goal is to defend the American people by eliminating the imminent threats from the Iranian regime," he said in a video shared on social media.

The attack began at 8:10 a.m. local time, according to Israeli government officials, who alerted the population to a possible Iranian response. "A missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future," the Defense Ministry said in a statement, adding that Defense Minister Israel Katz had declared a state of emergency nationwide. Sirens have been heard in Jerusalem, and citizens have been urged to seek shelter.

The extent of the damage in Iran is currently unknown, but missile attacks have been reported in several parts of the country. In Tehran, there were explosions in the city center, and several ministries were attacked, an Iranian official told Reuters. The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that seven missiles struck near the presidential palace. However, according to Reuters, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is not in the capital because he has been moved to a secure location. Explosions were also heard in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Tabriz, and Kermanshah, according to Iranian media.

An Israeli official told Reuters that the operation had been planned for months, and the launch date was decided weeks ago. Just yesterday, Donald Trump said he had not yet decided whether to order the attack.He insisted he did not want to use military force, but added: "Sometimes, it's necessary."

After confirming the attack, Trump also encouraged Iranian citizens to "take control of their government" once the military action was over. "For years they've asked for US help but haven't received it. No president was willing to do what I've done tonight. Now they have a president who gives you what you want, we'll see how they respond," he said, calling for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic regime.