U.S., Israel Launch Joint Military Operations Against Iran
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
Israel and the United States have initiated massive, coordinated airstrikes across Iran, targeting military infrastructure in Tehran and several other major cities.
The operation, codenamed “Roaring Lion,” began early Saturday with explosions reported near high-level government sites, including the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed direct American military involvement in a social media address, labeling the mission a “massive and ongoing” campaign.
He stated the objective is to dismantle Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities to eliminate imminent threats to both the American people and Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency, describing the strikes as a “preemptive attack” to neutralize existential threats.
Israel has since closed its airspace and instructed civilians to remain near shelters as sirens sound in anticipation of a “crushing” Iranian retaliation.
Reports from Iran indicate widespread explosions in cities like Isfahan, Qom, and Karaj, accompanied by a near-total internet blackout.
While the IRGC claims to have intercepted some projectiles, state media confirmed limited damage to several military bases and the deaths of at least four soldiers.
The Pentagon confirmed the strikes involve both air and sea assets, including carrier strike groups, and warned that the campaign is “not a small strike.” This escalation follows the recent collapse of nuclear negotiations in Geneva, with U.S. officials signaling the operation could continue for several days.
In his address, President Trump framed the military action as an opportunity for the Iranian people to reclaim their sovereignty from the current regime. He emphasized the necessity of the mission, stating, “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime… We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground.”
